With less than two weeks until the return of Wales’ largest international food and drink trade event, BlasCymru/TasteWales, a host of leading Welsh organisations have been unveiled as event sponsors for the flagship event.

Held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales, Newport, on 25-26 October, it will be the fourth trade show organised under the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Wales banner.

With the event drawing closer, industry professionals are being urged to make the most of a unique opportunity to join producers, national and international buyers for a celebration of the booming Welsh food and drink industry.

A series of leading organisations are sponsoring this year’s event, including Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) – Meat Promotion Wales, Food Innovation Wales, Castell Howell Foods, AMRC, Cambrian Training, Rachel’s Dairy, Puffin Produce, BIC Innovation, Development Bank of Wales, Azets, William Reed, Wrexham Lager, Ferrari Coffee and Cygnet Distillery.

Rachael Madeley-Davies, Head of Sustainability and Future Policy at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, the body responsible for raising the profile of Welsh red meat both at home and abroad, said:

“The event is a great opportunity to sell Welsh produce to the world. We firmly believe that produce such as PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef are amongst the best, which is why they have had protected geographic status for over twenty years.

“We’re delighted to be one of the sponsors this year, especially as issues around sustainability are central to the event. We have a fantastic story to tell around sustainable food production in Wales, and our red meat industry plans to be at the forefront of ensuring that we produce nutritious and sustainable food of the highest quality for years to come.”

Meanwhile Matt Lewis, Managing Director at Castell Howell Foods, who are one of Wales’ leading independent food service wholesalers said:

“We are thrilled to be part of BlasCymru/TasteWales once more this year and the event has consistently proven to be a foundation of innovation and collaboration within the food and drink industry.

“Our commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with the event’s mission to help grow an innovative, sustainable and prosperous food industry in Wales.”

Commenting on behalf of Food Innovation Wales, Martin Jardine of the Food Technology Centre in Anglesey, who make up one of the three constituent parts of Food Innovation Wales said,

“Food Innovation Wales is delighted to be supporting BlasCymru/TasteWales following its past successes. We are excited to see so many of our clients showcasing their fantastic products at the event.

“Many of these Welsh food and drink businesses are benefitting from the Welsh Government funded Project HELIX which aims to further drive efficiency and innovation in the Welsh food and drink industry. This support is in place until March 2025, via the Strategic Innovation Scheme and provides a comprehensive range of business support services to food and drink manufacturers across Wales.

“If your company is yet to receive support through Project HELIX then I would encourage you to come to see us at the Innovation Zone at BlasCymru/TasteWales to discuss the different types of assistance we can provide.”

Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd Lesley Griffiths MS who will be officially opening the event said,

“Our sponsors play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, showcasing excellence, and driving growth in our vibrant food and drink sector. Their commitment to BlasCymru/TasteWales is a reflection of their dedication to our shared goals of promoting Welsh food and drink and expertise to a wider audience.

“For those still undecided over whether to attend, I would urge you to come along to learn more about our fantastic food and drink industry. We extend our warmest welcome to all participants and look forward to a fruitful and inspiring event.”

Key highlights of the event include:

Showcase of producers and their products to national and international audiences
Brokered producer and buyer relationships through partnering meetings
Feature themed zones showcasing the best of Welsh food and drink, along with a compelling seminar programme with leading industry experts