A group of ‘Rising Stars’ from the Welsh food and drink industry had the opportunity to put their products in the limelight at Wales’ premier food and drink event – BlasCymru / TasteWales 2021.
The industry-wide showcase was held at the International Convention Centre Wales at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport (October 27-28th).
BlasCymru/TasteWales featured over 100 Welsh food and drink businesses who took the opportunity to showcase more than 200 new products to some of the industry’s most important contacts.
The flagship Welsh Government event brought together buyers, suppliers, and businesses across the Welsh food and drink industry. The two-day event provided them with a platform to showcase and discover new products, and make connections.
Part of the event was a ‘Rising Stars’ area coordinated by Cywain – a Menter a Busnes project that supports the development of growth-orientated businesses in the food and drink sector in Wales. The Cywain project also facilitates the Fine Food, Seafood and Honey Clusters.
There are currently over 950 businesses registered with the project, which offers a wide range of support. This support ranges from early-stage development with Cywain’s Micro programme to assisting established companies through the Cluster programme.
Dedicated to up and coming businesses with high potential for growth, the ‘Rising Stars’ area was an essential showcase for producers eager to take their companies to the next level. It was also an opportunity for those who participated in Cywain’s recent ‘Scale-Up Challenge’ to put new skills into action.
Ten of the ‘Rising Stars’ companies took part in Cywain’s recent ‘Scale-Up Challenge’. Delivered over six weekly sessions and led by Cywain’s expert mentors and speakers. The participating companies received a wealth of practical advice to help grow their enterprises and build commercial confidence.
They were: Cardiff Distillery Ltd, Coffi Eryri, Derw Coffee Ltd, Do Goodly Foods Ltd, Ffa Da, Gwenynfa Penybryn Apiary, Peterston Tea Estate, The Fudge Foundry, The Monmouth Gin Company and Treganna Gin.
Manon Llwyd Rowlands, Cywain director, said, “I am delighted that so many Cywain clients took up the opportunity to be part of BlasCymru/TasteWales 2021.
“It is hoped businesses will be able to use both the knowledge and confidence gained from the ‘Scale-Up challenge’, coupled with the invaluable connections and opportunities presented at this prestigious food and drink industry event to springboard their business forward.
“I hope the producers who will be joining us later this month for our second ‘Scale-Up Challenge’ series will find the process equally beneficial as they grow their businesses.”
The ‘Rising Stars’ area was visited by Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd.
The Minister said: “It was great to meet some of the Rising Stars of Cywain’s Scale-Up Challenge which has been developed to help enable our fantastic Welsh food and drink producers to grow their businesses.
“The project is also key in building commercial confidence and from speaking with some of the businesses taking part it has clearly been beneficial to them.
“I wish them all the very best now and for the future.”
