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Deputy first minister feasts on success at Royal Welsh Show
Deputy first minister feasts on success at Royal Welsh Show

South Wales Argus

time24-07-2025

  • Business
  • South Wales Argus

Deputy first minister feasts on success at Royal Welsh Show

And Huw Irranca-Davies, deputy first minister with responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, toured the lounge to see first hand how Welsh Government support was delivering commercial opportunities for food and drink businesses across Wales. Funded by the Welsh Government, Cywain has been the launch-pad for countless food and drink producers. This year 16 producers displayed at the Royal Welsh Food Hall for the first time. Exhibiting at the Cywain stand, Claire Garland, Pembrokeshire Cheesecake Company, said: "As a small business, it's wonderful to be here. "Hopefully we'll make some good contacts. That's the main reason to come, as well as showcasing my products, and see where that takes us." Sioned, from Snowdonia Wagyu, said: "To be on this stall this year and have this kind of exposure is really excellent. "To come to the Royal Welsh to exhibit is a big step. The actual cost of coming to a show for a small business is just one factor, and because there's just the two of us on the farm, it's nice to have that one day to test, just to see what the reaction is and get the feedback from people. "It's really important that we have places like Cywain that can offer us this support - from staging the stand to how to speak to people and how to present your product as well. "It's imperative - that we have the support here in Wales." Mr Irranca-Davies said: "The Food & Drink Wales Business Lounge demonstrates exactly how our strategic support is creating real commercial opportunities for Welsh producers. "The Welsh food and drink industry is a cornerstone of our economy and a source of immense national pride. 'It was a pleasure to have a tour this morning and to meet the producers and It's exciting to see Welsh businesses connecting with major buyers and securing new market opportunities."

Why I Built a Drinks Brand That Puts Welsh First
Why I Built a Drinks Brand That Puts Welsh First

Business News Wales

time18-07-2025

  • Business
  • Business News Wales

Why I Built a Drinks Brand That Puts Welsh First

When I set out to create DIRWEST, I wasn't just developing a drinks brand – I was creating something rooted in Welsh identity. For me, DIRWEST is a way to put our culture, our language, and our values front and centre in a space that's increasingly crowded but often lacking that sense of place. The idea had been bubbling away for a while. I've worked in the Welsh food and drink industry for more than 15 years, supporting producers and helping to build their presence in the market through the Cywain programme. But it was when I began drinking less myself – opting for more alcohol-free options during the week – that I noticed how few non-alcoholic options spoke to me as a Welsh consumer. There were plenty of alternatives out there, but none that reflected our language or heritage in any meaningful way. That was the gap I saw, and that's what DIRWEST set out to fill. The name itself is the Welsh word for temperance. It's a nod to the generations before us, particularly the chapel-going women of Wales, often depicted in traditional dress and drinking tea. It's a playful reference, but also a serious one. The last 'dry' Sunday in Dwyfor wasn't that long ago, and in many ways it feels like we're still negotiating our relationship with alcohol, choice, and identity. When I received a £5,000 bursary from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, through Shared Prosperity Funding, it gave me the confidence to move from idea to action. That funding allowed me to cover early costs such as trademarking, design work and product development and reduced the personal risk of starting something new. Thanks to my experience in the sector and the support of great collaborators, things moved quickly. I already had strong relationships with buyers and producers, and I knew who I wanted to work with, from distilleries to graphic designers. The drinks themselves are made and bottled in Wales using UK-sourced ingredients, and the visual identity, particularly the design of the gin-style botanical spirit, has drawn consistent praise from customers wherever we go. It's grown steadily from there. We've had a strong response at local markets and food festivals, with Crickhowell recently standing out as one of the busiest and most engaged. People are curious, and once they try the products, they very often go on to buy. But the product is only part of the story. I'm passionate about using the Welsh language not as an afterthought, but as a foundation. Our labelling is in Welsh first. Our website and social media posts are bilingual. The beer – our alcohol-free IPA – is called Yma O Hyd. And I want that to feel completely natural. After all, no one thinks twice about French on a bottle of wine or Spanish on a beer label. Why should it be any different with Welsh, especially when the product is made here? There's evidence to support this approach too. Welsh Government research consistently shows that 'Welshness' adds value in the marketplace. Consumers across the UK, not just in Wales, associate Welsh products with quality and freshness. We should be more confident in celebrating that, at home as well as over the border. That sense of place also informs our environmental choices. Sustainability is a key part of DIRWEST's approach, from our lightweight, recycled-glass bottles and organic ink labels to our use of aluminium cans and recyclable cardboard packaging. It's all made with the lightest footprint we can manage. That's part of our responsibility as producers based in Wales, where our landscape is both a backdrop and a resource. Looking ahead, I want to build a wider range of non-alcoholic drinks and mixers. I'd like to create jobs and contribute to the local economy near Cowbridge, where we're based. But most of all, I want people to see Welsh products – and the Welsh language – as something they're proud to buy into. Something that's modern, relevant, and rooted in who we are. Vale of Glamorgan Council recently launched the Taste of the Vale directory, which aims to connect residents and visitors with local food producers. The directory highlights the county's food and farming heritage, and provides a guide to local producers, vineyards, dairies, bakeries, and more. To view the Taste of the Vale producer directory, visit the webpage here.

New Food and Drink Producers to be Showcased at Royal Welsh Food Hall
New Food and Drink Producers to be Showcased at Royal Welsh Food Hall

Business News Wales

time15-07-2025

  • Business
  • Business News Wales

New Food and Drink Producers to be Showcased at Royal Welsh Food Hall

An array of new Welsh food and drink businesses will feature on the Cywain Stand in the Food Hall at this year's Royal Welsh Show (July 21st-24th). From concept to counter, the Cywain stand has been the launch-pad for countless up-and-coming food and drink producers, eager to showcase their products to a broad audience. Four different producers will take to the stand per day, each bringing their individual style and flavours to an audience looking to try and buy something new. Cywain is a programme run by Mentera and funded by the Welsh Government, working with food and drink producers across Wales, helping them grow and develop their businesses. Support is offered in various areas, including marketing, brand development, sustainability, and finance. An essential part of that work includes supporting producers at events and test trading. Alex James, Cywain Project Manager, said: 'We take great delight in helping producers to grow in experience and confidence, bringing new products to the marketplace and adding their talents to the Welsh food and drink industry as a whole. 'The Royal Welsh Food Hall is a hugely important showcase for Welsh food and drink producers, and the ultimate shopwindow – and, for the public, it is one of the 'must visit' attractions of the show. 'Such opportunities are part of Cywain's portfolio of support available for businesses throughout their growth journey, from day one start-ups to more established enterprises.' After making a successful appearance at the Cywain stand in 2024, Swansea-based Nonna Assunta, has confidently stepped up to host its very own stand in the Food Hall this year. The brand will be showcasing their meticulously handcrafted, small-batch liqueurs that capture the vibrant essence of the Mediterranean. Alex Diiulio, said: 'Trading in the Food Hall with Cywain gave us an excellent opportunity to chat with customers and to grow brand awareness, which not only drove sales but also led to us securing a significant wholesaler listing. Attending the Show for the first time with Cywain was invaluable in helping us assess the viability of trading there independently and gave us a clearer understanding of the logistics and expectations for our own stand. It was a great learning experience.'

Mentera Launches Search for New Junior Non-Executive Director
Mentera Launches Search for New Junior Non-Executive Director

Business News Wales

time21-05-2025

  • Business
  • Business News Wales

Mentera Launches Search for New Junior Non-Executive Director

Leading not-for-profit economic development company Mentera is offering an opportunity for an ambitious young individual to gain invaluable board and governance experience through its Junior Non-Executive Director role. Open to candidates under the age of 30, the successful applicant will join Mentera's Board, actively contributing to the strategic direction and growth of the company. This initiative is part of Mentera's commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders in Wales and building a Board that reflects the diverse communities it serves. Mentera has a 35-year track record of providing tailored support to new and expanding businesses across Wales and beyond, in key sectors such as agriculture, skills development, and food and drink. The company manages vital programmes on behalf of the Welsh Government, including aspects of Farming Connect and Cywain. Mentera's Board comprises experienced non-executive directors from diverse business, academic, and social enterprise backgrounds. Mentera is committed to increasing the diversity of its Board and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds to ensure a broad range of perspectives are represented. Fflur Jones, Chair of the Mentera Board and Managing Partner at Cardiff law firm Darwin Gray, said: 'Mentera is dedicated to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. We recognise that gaining board-level experience can be a significant hurdle, particularly for young professionals. The Junior Non-Executive Director role is designed to address this, offering a two-year term where the successful candidate will gain first-hand experience in shaping the future of Mentera and contributing to the prosperity of Wales.' The previous holders of the Junior Director role have highlighted the profound impact of the experience. Elin Havard, who has now become a full member of the Mentera board, said: 'The experience of being on Mentera's Board over the past three years has been extremely valuable and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. I would encourage anyone to apply to be part of a truly progressive and exciting company – you won't get a similar opportunity to learn and build skills, while making a positive contribution to the well-being and prosperity of Wales.' Erin Thomas, a previous Junior Non-Executive Director, said: 'Being a Junior Non-Executive Director on Mentera's board has been a fantastic opportunity to develop my professional skills, understand governance, and learn from inspiring individuals. I now feel more confident to contribute strategically and would encourage anyone passionate about developing Wales to apply.' Mentera's Chief Executive, Llŷr Roberts, added: 'We are eager to welcome a new young person to our Board who is driven, a strong team player, and will bring fresh perspectives to our strategic discussions. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds across Wales, reflecting the diverse nature of the communities we serve. This is a unique opportunity for someone looking to make a real contribution and develop their career at a high level.' Along with the Chief Executive and Executive Management team, the Board is responsible for setting the company's strategy and overseeing its delivery. These are voluntary non-executive director positions, with the Board meeting four times a year. Some Welsh language skills are essential as meetings are conducted through the medium of Welsh. For more information about the position of Junior Non-Executive Director and how to apply, please click here. Applications close on 25 June 2025.

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