Latest news with #CastellHowell
South Wales Argus
24-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire County Council celebrates food partnerships
This comes after Food Sense Wales published the Local Food Partnership Status Report, which highlights the diverse food activities happening across the country. The council has adopted food strategies, setting measurable targets for procuring and providing local, healthy, and sustainable food. One of the projects implemented by the Monmouthshire Food Partnership is the Welsh Veg in Schools initiative. This pilot project, coordinated by Food Sense Wales, aims to incorporate more organically produced Welsh vegetables into primary school meals across Wales. The project collaborates with partners such as Castell Howell, Farming Connect Horticulture, and various growers to achieve this goal. The initiative recognises that Welsh organic vegetables are more expensive than conventionally grown ones. Therefore, the pilot has covered the price gap between local, organic produce and standard prices. In 2024, the Welsh Veg in Schools initiative served 200,000 portions of fresh, organic veg in more than 200 schools across Wales, including 12 Monmouthshire primary schools. Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: "There's a good food movement happening all across Wales, and we're proud to be part of it. "Local food partnerships are some of the key drivers of change." In spring 2024, Food Sense Wales received additional funding from the Bridging the Gap programme to scale the project and expand its reach across the public sector.
Business News Wales
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business News Wales
Future Generations Commissioner Urges All Councils to Back Veg in Schools Project
The Future Generations Commissioner is urging all Welsh councils to commit to children having more Welsh vegetables on their school dinners. Five new councils have now signed up to the Welsh Veg in Schools project, following seven who joined last year. Now Derek Walker says he wants all 22 to do the same as part of his calls for a national food plan. The Welsh Veg in Schools initiative is increasing the supply of locally produced organic vegetables in school meals and Mr Walker said it could be part of a long-term plan to improve Wales' food security and ensure equal access to local, affordable, healthy and sustainable diets. The commitment was one of several made in direct response to the commissioner's report by organisations at the Future Generations Action Summit at National Museum Wales which marked 10 years of the Well-being of Future Generations Act on the launch of the Future Generations Report. The event was attended by 300 people. Katie Palmer, Head of Food Sense Wales, announced that five new councils – Pembrokeshire, Torfaen, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and Gwynedd – will join Welsh Veg in Schools. Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Monmouthshire, Powys and Vale of Glamorgan councils are already part of the scheme. Welsh Veg in Schools is a pilot project co-ordinated by Food Sense Wales that aims to get more organically produced Welsh veg into primary school meals across Wales. Working with partners including Castell Howell, Farming Connect Horticulture, as well as a number of growers, it builds on the commitment from Welsh Government to ensure every primary aged child in Wales is offered a free school meal and that the food used to produce that meal, where possible, comes from local suppliers. Katie said: 'At its heart, Welsh Veg in Schools is about getting sustainably produced, local veg into schools to nourish children via their school meals. We aren't producing enough vegetables in Wales and we need to be building our own supply base, bringing benefit to local communities and reducing our reliance on imports through connecting local growers with local wholesalers and fostering relationships that help businesses flourish.' Food Sense Wales published a report that said around 25% of all vegetables served in schools across Wales could be organic by 2030 with the right planning and investment in infrastructure, and that an increase of 3.3p per meal per day from local authorities and the Welsh Government could enable the inclusion of two portions of local organic vegetables in school meals seasonally. Meanwhile, at the event Pembrokeshire National Coast National Park Authority committed to a real Living Wage plan within two years, which the commissioner is asking for from all public bodies as a critical step to tackle poverty. Pembrokeshire National Coast National Park Authority Tegryn Jones said: 'A living wage makes a real difference to people, it provides a decent standard of living and allows workers to save for the future. 'I encourage all other public bodies in Wales to take this step towards accreditation so that we can shape an economy at local and national level around fair work, for current and future generations.' Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, committed to using the agreed definition of prevention between Welsh Government and the commissioner's team, to be a pilot site to map their preventative spend. Sir Michael Marmot spoke at the event about the commitment by Welsh Government for the whole of Wales to become a Marmot region – which means committing to tackling inequity through action on the social determinants of health. Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability from Carmarthenshire County Council, talked about the action Carmarthenshire is taking on climate and nature, including a new approach to pasture cutting for pollinators and dedicating council farms to vegetable growing. Julie-Ann Haines, CEO of the Principality Building Society, gave an overview of the role of the private sector in delivering a more sustainable future. Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna CBE, Professor of Management and Organization, Cardiff Business School, spoke about the Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan and its central role in ensuring that a more equal Wales is a core impact of all action for future generations. Young voices included Saffron Rennison, Public Affairs Executive for Football Association of Wales, and Future Generations Leadership Academy Alumna, who discussed using the Well-being of Future Generations Act in her work, including advocating for better representation of women and Black, Asian and ethnic minority people in football. Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, said: 'The 50 recommendations in my Future Generations Report will help Welsh Government and those delivering public services to improve lives in Cymru. A week after publishing the report, I am already seeing major commitments to my calls and I urge more public bodies to sign up – including the 10 councils who are yet to make a commitment to more vegetables on school children's plates. 'I look forward to seeing more action on nature recovery, more involvement of communities in shaping policy, ringfenced prevention budgets to solve problems before they occur, a national food plan and a real Living Wage plan by every public body within two years.' Hannah Jones, a social and environmental advocate and the outgoing CEO of The Earthshot Prize, was a keynote speaker. The Earthshot Prize is a prize and a platform founded by HRH Prince William and the Royal Foundation in 2020 to search, to spotlight and scale solutions that can help repair and regenerate the planet in this decade.
Business News Wales
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Winners of the 2025 Wales Food and Drink Awards Announced
The winners of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards have been announced. The awards ceremony, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, celebrated some of the most innovative and creative food and drink producers in Wales. From established companies who have become household names to small start-ups, the business awards were set up to celebrate and showcase the best food and drink producers in Wales, whatever their size. Almost 200 entries were received and more than 400 guests attended the awards ceremony. Finalists were recognised for their new and exciting ideas, their growth and resilience. Businesses had been shortlisted in a range of specialist categories to reflect the diverse nature of the key sector in the Welsh economy – one that has gained a global reputation for excellence. The panel of expert judges was chaired by Rhys Iley. He said: 'It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals, for making the judging process both challenging and exciting. Everyone brought something exceptional to the table, and should be proud of themselves.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards were supported by headline sponsor Castell Howell Foods, one of the UK's leading independent food wholesalers. Martin Jones, from Castell Howell, said: 'Castell Howell is proud to continue sponsoring the Wales Food and Drink Awards which go from strength to strength each year. Supporting an event that recognises such exceptional performance in this sector feels more important than ever. As the industry evolves, its inspiring to see such talent and determination being celebrated.' The awards were sponsored and supported by Asda, BIC Innovation, Cambrian Training, Food Innovation Wales, FDF Cymru, Food Standards Agency, Hugh James, Mentera, Mauve, NFU Mutual, Pembrokeshire Creamery, Shirgar, Food and Drink Wales, Visit Conwy, QR Squared by Polytag, Business News Wales, Stills, and Cleartech. The Wales Food and Drink Awards were created by founders Liz Brookes, Director, Grapevine Event Management and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. Liz Brookes said: 'Wales' incredible food and drink producers were rightly put centre stage in Llandudno at an awards ceremony which brings the sector together for a night of celebration while offering a key opportunity to showcase excellence. The hard work and skills within the industry in Wales shone through again this year. Llongyfarchiadau pawb.' The winners of the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2025 are: Wales Food and Drink Artisan Business of the Year Wales Food and Drink Entrepreneur of the Year Lord Robert Newborough, Rhug Estates Wales Food and Drink Business Resilience Award Cradoc's Savoury Biscuits Wales Food and Drink Local Community Award Wales Food and Drink Rising Star Award Tom Wickens, Plumstone Welshcakes Wales Food and Drink, Drinks Producer of the Year Wales Food and Drink Small Drinks Producer of the Year Llanfairpwll Distillery Ltd Wales Food and Drink Champion of the Year Wales Food and Drink Exporter of the Year South Caernarfon Creameries Wales Food and Drink Food Producer of the Year Wales Food and Drink Start-up of the Year Wales Food and Drink Innovation Award Wales Food and Drink Scale-Up Business of the Year Wales Food and Drink Sustainable Business of the Year Wales Food and Drink Apprentice of the Year Nicola Culkin, Knolton Farmhouse Cheese (Coleg Cambria) Wales Food and Drink Farm to Fork Producer Highly Commended Wales Food and Drink Rising Star Award Naomi Spaven, Iâl Bakery (Coleg Cambria) Wales Food and Drink Local Community Wales Food and Drink Food Producer Wales Food and Drink Champion of the Year Wales Food and Drink Entrepreneur Rory Pitman, A-Head of the Game Nutrition Wales Food and Drink Small Drinks Producer Wales Food and Drink Business Resilience Fresh and Tasty Microgreens Outstanding Contribution Award Robin Jones, Village Bakery Further details of the Wales Food and Drink Awards, which will return in 2026, can be found on the Wales Food & Drink Wales website.
Business News Wales
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Shortlist Announced for Carmarthenshire Business Awards
The shortlist for the Carmarthenshire Business Awards 2025 has been announced. Following the success of last year's awards, organised by Grapevine Event Management, Castell Howell returns as the headline sponsor. The awards aim to celebrate excellence and innovation across a range of sectors, including manufacturing, retail, tourism and hospitality and more. Organisers say there was an 'impressive range' of entries received and after careful consideration from the judges, the shortlist has been revealed. Martin Jones, Director, Castell Howell, said: 'The quantity and quality of entries for these awards truly highlights the talent, innovation and resilience within Carmarthenshire's business community. As a company that is both born and bred in the area and one of its largest employers, Castell Howell is proud to be Headline Sponsor. We look forward to a fantastic evening in July.' Liz Brookes, Founder of the Awards and Director of Grapevine Event Management, said: 'We're thrilled to bring the Carmarthenshire Business Awards back for a second year following the incredible success of our inaugural event. Carmarthenshire is home to a strong vibrant business community, and the exceptional quality of this year's entries truly reflects that. We're now looking forward to starting the judging interviews and celebrating the outstanding achievements of local businesses at the awards ceremony this July.' Rupert Moon, Chair of Judges, said: 'This year's event is going to be the best yet, with even more entries than last year. It's fantastic to see the great effort that has been made and to shine a spotlight on Carmarthenshire businesses.' With 14 awards up for the taking, all the finalists have been invited to a panel interview. The panel is made up of sponsors and a selection of local business experts including Rupert Moon, Strategy Director for the RNF Property Group, Angharad Lloyd Beynon, Policy Stakeholder and Partnerships Manager at City & Guilds Group, Ken Duxberry, Managing Director of Coracle Coaches, and Councillor Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Culture, Leisure and Tourism. The winners of the awards will be announced at a black-tie ceremony on the 11th July at Parc y Scarlets, where guests will enjoy a night of celebration, entertainment and networking. The finalists for Carmarthenshire Business Awards 2025 are: Creative & Digital Business of the Year Stori Cymru DesignYO! Creative Pinc Sheet Media Providence Web Services Employer of the Year Diamond Alloys Wales Gwendraeth Valley Carpets LBS Builders Merchants Entrepreneur of the Year Lean Kitchen The Halfway Pub & Dining Fitter Body Ladies Llanelli Albert Rees Ltd Financial & Professional Service Business of the Year Affinity Financial Neuroble Mercury Accounting & Financial Services Ltd Augustus Payroll Services Green Business of the Year Gavin Griffiths Recycling The Arb Team Thermal Earth Ltd Blue Marble Refill Innovation & Technology Business of the Year Gavin Griffiths Recycling Wessex Brewery TA Evan-Evans Telemat International Business of the Year Dunbia Cross Hands Wessex Brewery TA Evan-Evans Tinopolis Manufacturing Business of the Year Lean Kitchen Dunbia Cross Hands Rook Stores Ltd. Dyfed Steel Retail Business of the Year Albert Rees Ltd Burns Retail & Hospitality Ltd. Quicksilver Jewellery Rook Stores Ltd. Rural Business of the Year Erwain Escapes The Arb Team Smallholding Secrets SME of the Year DPA Law The Means Ltd. Evans Banks Planning Willow Daycare Ltd. Start Up Business of the Year Tetrim Teas Tiny Tots Town Donuts & Dragons Saint Hugo Bakery Third Sector Organisation of the Year Care and Repair Carmarthenshire Cegin Hedyn Sero Community Environment Centre Myddfai Trading Company Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year Burns Retail & Hospitality Ltd. Llansteffan Castle Great Welsh Escapes Y Sied Cafes and Cookery School Young Business Person of the Year 007 Diggers Ltd. Chickwood Poultry The Secret PlantHouse The awards are being supported and sponsored by Castell Howell, Azets, Dunbia, JCP Solicitors, JG HR Solutions, DPA Law, Stori Cymru and Stills. Business News Wales is also supporting the Carmarthenshire Business Awards as its media partner. Tickets are now on sale for the Carmarthenshire Business Awards here.
