An award-winning Welsh foodservice wholesaler has saved 67 tonnes of CO2e per year from waste streams, donated more than £50,000 to charitable causes, and strengthened its health and safety initiatives.
Harlech Foodservice is reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and supporting the UK’s net zero by 2050 target in its latest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report.
Data showcases the family-owned firm prevents 14 tonnes – up from 10 tonnes in its last reported results – of CO2e production per year by utilising food waste as a displacement fossil fuel and proactively avoiding landfill through recycling.
By investing in carbon efficient vehicles, the company has also cut its HGV-related CO2e emissions by nearly 10 per cent and achieved an overall reduction across its transport, energy use, and wider operations.
In addition, the business has calculated its CO2e kg per sale and reduced its emissions by eight per cent since 2023 – a metric that is used to inform its public sector customers in their own journey towards net zero.
Mark Lawton, Harlech’s sales director, said: “Since our inception more than 50 years ago, we’ve always looked for ways to ensure our operations reflect our core values.
“As such, we’re proud to highlight the progress we’ve made towards our net zero by 2050 target, and hopefully our efforts can be a benchmark for others.”
Alongside protecting the environment, the firm has increased donations to local communities, with close to £60,000 given to good causes including charities, schools, local events, and sports clubs.
Internal investments have also been at the forefront of Harlech’s operations with
20 per cent of its 250 employees promoted and several team members undertaking an NVQ level two in warehouse and distribution.
The business also earned the prestigious honour of being named one of the best medium-sized organisations to work for by the Sunday Times, whilst it celebrated finance director Mike Clishem marking 25 years with Harlech.
Health and safety practices have been enhanced through the installation of a Rack Collapse Prevention system in its six-metre high, 300-rack frozen store in Gwynedd – a decision aimed at protecting both staff and stock.
Mark continued: “Ensuring we maintain high standards in all aspects of our work is central to our success, so we’re proud to see our efforts are paying off.
“By focusing our attention on improving the skills of our team, giving back to the local communities we operate within, and following our carbon reduction plan, we’re looking forward to another strong year.”
Harlech Foodservice employs more than 250 full-time members of staff, offers in excess of 4,000 product lines, and distributes throughout the whole of Wales, the North West of England, and West Midlands.
