Welsh Government Grant Scheme now Live for Funding Food Accreditation

As part of the Programme for Government, Welsh Government wishes to support local food and drink producers / suppliers and make it easier for them to access public sector food supply chain opportunities by having the necessary food safety accreditation.  Welsh Government is opening a short grant scheme, administered by Menter a Busnes, to fund either SALSA or STS accreditations for Welsh SME food and drink businesses.  These accreditations will enhance the competitiveness of the Welsh Food and Drink sector, particularly in terms of public sector procurement and associated supply chains.

This scheme is part of the Backing Local Firms fund, a Programme for Government commitment run by the Foundational Economy division, aimed at helping Welsh SMEs overcome the barriers they face when doing business with the public sector.  By funding accreditation for Welsh firms, it is hoped we can increase the amount of Welsh food on “public plates”, shorten supply chains to reduce carbon emissions and increase the number of grounded food suppliers in Wales.

This funding is separate from but complements the HELIX programme, run by Food Innovation Wales, which offers Welsh food businesses a range of technical and commercial support  in preparation for undergoing the audit - https://foodinnovation.wales/funded-support/

Eligibility

Applicants must be an existing Welsh food and drink business that is a micro, small or medium scale enterprise [Definition of SME – less than 250 employees and an annual turnover under €50 million (£42m) ] i.e. a business that is predominantly involved in the production and distribution of edible goods, and who can demonstrate their main operational presence is within Wales. Applicants principally involved in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages are not eligible for support through this grant scheme.

To submit a bid for funding, please visit Sell2Wales to access the application form and Scheme Rules. The closing date for applications is 20^th January 2022.

Value Of Welshness Out of home 

Welshness crucial to diners & guests new research shows

New research from the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Insight Programmes has revealed that more people want to see dishes with Welsh ingredients in places such as restaurants, cafes and takeaways. With more than 1,400 people surveyed, 90% of guests think it's important that venues have a good range of dishes with Welsh ingredients – up from 77% in 2017. The Value of Welshness research also shows 93% of guests believe Welsh food and drink should be promoted in venues, and many guests will pay more for it. 

For more valuable insight and the full Value of Welshness report, sign up to the Member’s Area today.

Economic Appraisal & Food and Drink Strategy

The Economic Review provides information on the performance of the Welsh Food and Drink sector since 2014, covering turnover, employment, business counts, exports and more, across the key food and drink sub-sectors.    

The latest release of the Economic Review of The Welsh Food and Drink sector can be seen here.

BioAccelerate - AberInnovation's Business Accelerator

BioAccelerate is a business accelerator programme designed to help you bring your innovative idea to fruition. Applications are now open to individuals or groups who wish to develop a new product or service in the bioscience, healthcare, agri-tech or food and drink sectors. 

Christmas Comes Early For New Welsh Blue Cheese

As Christmas approaches newbie cheesemaker Clare Jones can reflect on a vintage year for her award-winning Trefaldwyn Blue cheese.

It has been a whirlwind few months for the Montgomery teacher-turned cheesemaker who only a few weeks ago took home the award for the best Welsh cheese at the World Cheese Awards, held in Spain.

Prestigious sustainability award is won by a Welsh bee farm

Cilgwenyn Bee Farm in Carmarthenshire was recently announced as the winner of the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Rising Sustainability Star Award due to its holistic approach to business after transforming a disused coal mine into a brand new bee farm offering carbon neutral honey.

Welsh Food & Drink is Something to Sing About This Christmas

Welsh food and drink producers are showcasing their goods this festive season through the medium of song, with a special rendition of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.

As part of the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Wales 

#CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste

campaign to encourage shoppers to buy Welsh products this Christmas, a host of producers took part in videos featuring a specially adapted version of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.

UK agrees world's most comprehensive digital trade deal with Singapore

On Thursday, December 9 the UK secured an agreement in principle with Singapore for a Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) that will cut costs, slash red tape and pave the way for a new era of trade.

Insight Programme Conference – March 2022

The Insight Programme Conference is coming in March – watch this space for more information. 

Click here to see the highlights from last year’s conference.

Food & Drink Expo, Birmingham 2022

There are still spaces available to exhibit with the Welsh Government under the Food and Drink Wales banner at the rescheduled Food & Drink Expo 2022, NEC Birmingham, on 25-27 April 2022

For further information and costings, please contact: Shirley.mcgilvray@gov.wales

Apprentice of the Year Award - Entries are now open!

Do you employ a brilliant apprentice in your food and drink manufacturing company?

Have you got an exceptional young talent among your teams?

Enter the FDF Awards today!

Virtual Cheese Awards 2022

ENTRIES OPEN 1ST DECEMBER 2021

The Virtual Cheese Awards is the UK’s only online cheese awards.  They were launched in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic to promote and celebrate the fantastic British cheese industry.

Now in its third year, the unique awards allow entrants to see their cheese judged live and get instant and detailed feedback. The awards partner with a panel of esteemed judges who have a wide range of superior expertise.

There is a special early-bird price of £35 per entry until 31st January 2022 (when it will increase to £45 per entry).

Use code: EARLYBIRD35