A message from Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
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As we approach the close of 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an exceptional year for Wales's food and drink sector and to thank each of you for your continued dedication, creativity and passion. |
This year has showcased the very best of Welsh produce on both national and international stages. In October, I had the privilege of visiting Anuga in Germany – the world's largest food and drink trade show – where Welsh businesses demonstrated their ambition and quality alongside over 7,900 exhibitors from across the globe. It was inspiring to meet Welsh producers at the Cymru Wales pavilion, from innovative brands like Bloomin' Foods to established names such as South Caernarfon Creameries and What's Cooking?, all working to open new export markets and forge international partnerships.
This international momentum continued at Blas Cymru / Taste Wales 2025, which brought together over 150 Welsh producers and 300 buyers from across the globe at the ICC Wales. The results have been truly remarkable – over £45 million in confirmed sales and business opportunities, generated through 2,700 dynamic trade meetings. More than 200 new product ranges featuring 3,000 innovative products demonstrated the ambition and creativity that defines our sector. The event's New Product Award, won by Flavour Moments with their innovative Goat's Cheese Pearls, exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Wales.
 Our producers have earned exceptional recognition throughout 2025. Mario's Luxury Dairy Ice Cream's Blackcurrant and Cassis Sorbet claimed the prestigious Golden Fork from Wales at the Great Taste Awards, whilst Welsh producers secured an impressive 146 awards overall – a record-breaking achievement that reinforces Wales's reputation for excellence and craftsmanship.
The granting of Protected Geographical Indication status to Dovey Native Botanical Gin, Pembrokeshire Native and Rock Oysters, and Welsh Heather Honey marks another significant milestone, joining our growing family of protected Welsh products and celebrating the distinctive qualities rooted in our landscape and heritage.
 Our commitment to strengthening local food networks has also progressed considerably. With £2 million invested in Local Food Partnerships this year, every local authority now has an active partnership, building resilient food systems and supporting communities across Wales.
The Food Business Accelerator Scheme (FBAS) is our capital grant scheme which has been supporting our Food and Drinks industry since 2022. The FBAS covers capital investments in processing infrastructure and equipment with a focus on productivity and sustainability and supports projects that offer clear and quantifiable benefits to the food and drink industry in Wales. We have invested over £7m into 28 businesses so far and the latest scheme is currently live.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue championing your success through our Trade Development Programme, representation at Gulfood Dubai in February and the Worldchefs Congress in May, where Wales will be represented on the global culinary stage, and our biennial Blas Cymru / Taste Wales Conference in the Autumn.
Thank you for your outstanding contribution to Wales's thriving food and drink industry. I wish you all a peaceful festive season and continued success in the year ahead.
Huw Irranca-Davies
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
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As we enter December, it’s remarkable to reflect on how far we've come since January. Now, we find ourselves preparing for Christmas and bidding farewell to 2025. Step by step, event by event, and day by day, we are wrapping up another year. Each of us is on a journey—whether that involves starting or growing a business, transforming ideas into reality, or sustaining our enterprises to support our communities.
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My own journey as a foodie began before I turned 10, inspired by my Nana's delicious puff-puffs that I sold during school break (a venture I later learned was technically illegal!). This path has taken me from catering for the Crown Estate to teaching about diverse cuisines, including Indian and African, launched my own |
food brand Maggie’s African Twist in Gwyl Fwyd Caernarfon to authoring three cookery books and in November 2020, I proudly became a member of the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board.
It has been a journey of discovery, filled with the dynamics of building and breaking down networks. This year I drove over four hours to attend Blas Cymru/Taste Wales for the first time—the longest trip I’ve made in two decades. Throughout this process, I have encountered wonderful producers and suppliers, and while 2025 has been a rollercoaster ride, it has been important for me to remember: it’s not just about the destination; it’s about enjoying the journey.
As we approach the end of 2025, I encourage you to take a few moments to appreciate your own journey, whether you're starting, growing, or winding down your business. Take a breather, look up, and smell the wet grass (if you're in Wales! 😁). The cycle will begin anew, and if you've found joy in this years’ experience, it will fuel your hope and inspiration for 2026.
Let’s continue our collective journey to produce and showcase the best of Welsh food and drink. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas season!
Enjoy the journey
Maggie O
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At this year’s Wales Real Food and Farming Conference (WRFFC), the Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, announced the Welsh Government is on track to deliver £2 million in funding for Local Food Partnerships in 2025–26. This achieves a commitment within the Community Food Strategy, which aims to strengthen local food networks and tackle food poverty.
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Every local authority now has an active Local Food Partnership, bringing together farmers, community organisations, businesses, and public bodies to build resilient food systems. These partnerships are already making a difference: |
22 small-scale projects have been awarded grants of up to £22,500, supporting innovative ideas such as piloting a scheme for subsidised veg boxes and mapping current and potential edible horticulture provision.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“Our Community Food Strategy set out how there are opportunities to encourage local food supply by building relationships between local producers, food and drink businesses and the network of community food initiatives.
“Better connections within communities around food can be used to encourage healthier food choices, tackle food poverty and support social inclusion. Importantly, encouraging environmentally responsible production methods, through community-based growing and horticulture, can provide benefits for our natural environment.
“All of this aligns with our ambition to connect communities, drive progress for a healthier Wales, create green jobs and growth, and provide opportunity for every family.”
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Are you a food and drink producer in Wales with ambitions to grow?
The next round of the Food Business Accelerator Scheme is now open, offering grant support to help your business expand and thrive.
The scheme is designed to:
- improve the performance, competitiveness, sustainability, and efficiency of the sector
- support business response to consumer demand
- encourage diversification
- identify, exploit and service new emerging and existing markets
This is a two-stage application process, please ensure you read the full guidance notes prior to completion of the first stage - Expression of Interest (EOI), to ensure your project is eligible within the scheme guidance and timeframe.
Don’t miss this opportunity, start preparing your application today.
Food Business Accelerator Scheme
Please direct any enquiries to:fbas@gov.wales
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 Welsh Government would like to invite your company to exhibit with us at Foodex, Japan - 10-13 March 2026.
Foodex, Japan is the ultimate platform for business, trade, networking, and innovation, attracting industry leaders and professionals from across the globe. Last year’s event attracted more than 72,000 buyers. With over 3,000 major global brands from 80 countries and regions around the world, Foodex 2026 is an exhibition not to be missed.
Foodex, Japan Flyer PDF
E-mail for an application form or more information:
shirley.mcgilvray@gov.wales
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 We are excited to announce that Expression of Interest applications are now open for Food and Drink businesses to exhibit on the Cymru Wales Pavilion. This flagship event, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham on 13-15 April, is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best of Welsh food and drink to a national audience of buyers, retailers, and industry professionals.
The Farm Shop & Deli Show is renowned for attracting decision-makers from across the UK’s independent retail, hospitality, and foodservice sectors. By exhibiting on the Cymru Wales Pavilion, you’ll benefit from a strong collective presence, dedicated branding, and support to help maximise your impact at the show.
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this chance to put your business in the spotlight.
Submit your Expression of Interest to ian.edwards@gov.wales by 6 January 2026. Full details, including eligibility criteria and costs, will be available early 2026.
Join us in celebrating Welsh excellence at one of the UK’s leading food and drink events!
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Businesses connected to the hospitality industry are being urged to support a global culinary event being hosted in Wales next spring which has been described as “a once in a generation opportunity”.
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The 41st Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026, themed ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate’, is being is being hosted by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) at ICC Wales, Newport from May 16-19, 2026. |
CAW president Arwyn Watkins, OBE, (pictured above) says the global event provides an opportunity for businesses to place their products in front of the culinary world. There will be opportunities to engage face to face with some of the most influential chefs from around the globe.
“If a business is interested in exporting and finding new markets within Great Britian in the food service sector, then this is the event to attend in 2026,” he stressed.
“It’s an opportunity for Wales to take centre stage across Worldchefs’ 110 member countries. More than 800 delegates from around the globe will be in attendance with 60% of the delegates identified as buyers and influencers within their own country.”
Continue reading the press release and find further details on exhibiting at the Congress - external site Culinary Association of Wales.
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 The 30th edition of the British & Irish Cheese Awards will open for entry on Monday 12 January, with organisers, The Royal Bath & West Society, inviting cheesemakers to submit their products into the UK & Ireland's largest cheese awards scheme.
All entries will be judged at The Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on Friday 20 March. Cheesemongers, cheesemakers, affineurs, farmers, retailers and commentators will come together to find the best cheeses of 2026, before the 30th Anniversary Awards Dinner that evening, where this year's trophy winners will be announced.
Enter your cheese by Tuesday 17 February.
Information on entry and tickets for the Awards Dinner can be found at British Cheese Awards website.
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Start-Up Surgeries - Food Centre Wales - 29 January and 18 March 2026
Starting a Food & Drink Processing Business?
Join Food Centre Wales’ Start-up Surgeries to explore the facilities, expertise and support available.
What’s included*:
- Short presentation & guided tour
- 1-2-1 with a Food Technologist
- Advice from Cywain & Business Wales
- Refreshments & light lunch
Book your place:
Email: gen@foodcentrewales.org.uk
Phone: 01559 362230
*For eligible food and drink businesses in Wales only.
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We have heard troubling accounts of some Food and Drink businesses in Wales having been subject to scams and catfishing recently. Sophisticated scammers can create fake identities and what seems like a genuine order, can in fact be fraudulent.
If approached by a new buyer or supplier, ensure you have undertaken your due diligence. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraudulent activity, contact the police straight away, support is also available from Action Fraud.
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