This week will see the highly anticipated inaugural Blas Cymru / Taste Wales conference held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.
Organised by Welsh Government’s Food & Drink Wales division, the conference theme is ‘Bridges to Success’ and will feature a dynamic mix of practical seminars, industry workshops, expert panels, and specialist surgeries.
With hundreds of attendees from across the industry due to be in attendance, there will be opportunities to explore the full suite of Welsh Government support available to the food and drink industry in Wales. In addition, the conference will also feature a mix of expert speakers, presentations and panel discussions, with topics ranging from sustainable packaging, through to the value of Welsh identity for consumers both within, and beyond Wales.
Recent statistics released over the summer showed that the industry had grown by an impressive 10% over the past year. The conference aims to build on this success by providing Welsh food and drink businesses with the support to continue to evolve and flourish. This includes advice on sustainable growth, exporting, investment, new product development and efficiency.
Speaking at the event will be Professor David Lloyd, who is the current chair of the Food & Drink Wales Industry Board. The purpose of the board is to help grow, promote and enhance the reputation of the Welsh food and drink industry. By acting as a conduit between government and the wider industry and business, it provides leadership and direction through encouraging collaboration and the sharing of information.
Speaking ahead of the event, Professor Lloyd said, “The Welsh food and drink industry is fortunate to have such a close working relationship between government, academia and industry, and events like these demonstrate that in practice.
The conference will provide a unique platform to help drive collaboration and innovation, as well as an invaluable opportunity for businesses to gain insights and build lasting connections. I look forward to meeting lots of different people who work in the industry, and learning more about how the board can help drive the industry forward.”
Also appearing at the event will be the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS.
One of the key aims for Welsh Government is to build on the current solid foundations and ensure policy evolves with the needs of the industry, and continues to deliver sustainable growth. He said, “I look forward to being at Blas Cymru / Taste Wales, which is such a great opportunity for the industry to network with leading industry delegates, and work collaboratively to find solutions for the challenges that face it.
“I was delighted to note over the summer that the industry continues to grow and flourish, and this is a reflection on the fantastic work taking place by our food and drink businesses. Together, we will build on these foundations, to overcome challenges, and to continue the successful, dynamic journey of the industry in Wales.”
