As Wales continues to move cautiously and carefully towards easing Covid restrictions, the impacts of the pandemic on food and drink businesses are becoming more and more apparent. Many businesses are still suffering the impact of such a tumultuous 18 months and financial stress remains a challenge to many businesses. However, it is vital that we do not allow the pandemic to slow our growth momentum and this includes maintaining our focus on innovation and skills. We must work together with government to ensure we continue to invest in these key areas.
In a similar way, our vital industry is beginning to grasp the reality of leaving the European Union and as difficult as it may be to lift our eyes above the new challenges of doing business with the EU, we should not forget the potential opportunity provided by the various new trade deals which are being negotiated as we speak.
I believe exporting is vital to the future of Welsh Food and Drink, in part because it can play an important role in supporting business resilience. I’m sure you will be aware of the recently announced agreement in principle between the UK and Australia, which was followed by the announcement this week regarding the launch of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) negotiations. In addition, Government consultations are now live for trade deals with Canada, Mexico and India and I would encourage Welsh food and drink business to engage with these to ensure we have our say. I was pleased to hear recently that food and drink is considered a key priority for a UK/India trade deal so we must ensure we follow up on this opportunity and be clear about where our competitive advantage lies. As one door closes, another opens and we should be ready and prepared for those opportunities. Let’s play a constructive and insightful role as these trade deals emerge.
In October, the Blas Cymru/Taste Wales event will return to the ICCW in Newport. The Food Division will bring together Welsh producers and manufacturers with buyers from both the UK and overseas, and host a conference and trade exhibition promoting the Food and Drink industry in Wales – an exciting opportunity for new connections.
As Chair of the Food and Drink Industry Board in Wales, I was delighted when Lesley Griffiths MS was reappointed as Minister for Rural Affairs, with food and drink in her portfolio. Lesley has always been a fantastic advocate for our industry and offered incredible support. We look forward to continuing to work together for the best interests of the industry.
Oh, and finally, good luck to Wales in Euro 2020!
Andy Richardson, Chair of the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board
 Business and trade:
UK Trade Tariff: duty suspensions and tariff quotas
Trade with India – call for input
Trade with Canada and Mexico – call for input
UK approach to joining the CPTPP
Webinar and video guides:
Webinar : Nutrition and health claims - how to comply with legislation
Webinar: Food Safety Culture
Food Skills Cymru: video career guides series
Events:
Ffres! Wales Festival of Vegetables
Support and information:
FarmWell Wales – support and information for Welsh farmers
Food Innovation Wales Helpline
Guidance for food businesses on coronavirus
 Welsh Wine Week returns to celebrate award winning vineyards
North Wales business cream of the crop at virtual cheese awards
Meet the producers at the heart of the Welsh Government Food and Drink Scene
Newport Market: All food and drink outlets taken
Food producers learn how to make a pitch
Recent key actions from the Board
- The Board Chair is hosting a series of insight sessions with senior leaders from UK Government and business organisations to help inform and shape the Board’s and Government’s approach to issues including FTAs, international trade and digital strategy.
- The Board is currently working on identifying its key strategic priorities for the food and drink industry and how best to support the Minister to achieve growth and development. The Board will be communicating this strategy to businesses during the summer.
- The Board shares all links to information, support and toolkits via Twitter and LinkedIn.
The Welsh Government is bringing together leading Welsh food and drink companies and trade buyers at BlasCymru/TasteWales 2021. The product showcase and meet the supplier event will be one of the first in the Welsh industry calendar to safely welcome back attendees.
A broad range of categories will be brought together by Welsh Government, from large scale companies to artisan producers representing a diverse range of product categories
The event will be an opportunity to meet the people who are the driving force behind our vibrant and innovative industry, with a showcase of tastings across a broad range of categories including private label, ingredients, foodservice and retail products. There will also be tailored meeting itineraries with short introductory meeting programme format, making effective and efficient use of time, focused on your objectives.
Please contact the team for more information or to register: info@tastewales.com
Stay connected for updates on Twitter and LinkedIn. Join our Facebook Group to collaborate workforce. Get in touch with us via email at Chair.FDWIB@gov.wales
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