Latest news with #HarlechFoodserviceLtd


Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Food Wholesaler Commits to Three-Year Sponsorship of Tourism Awards
Photographed are Jim Jones, CEO of North Wales Tourism and David Cattrall, Managing Director, Harlech Foodservice Ltd. Picture Mandy Jones A food wholesaler has struck a new three-year deal to support a major showcase for the tourism and hospitality industry in North Wales. Harlech Foodservice says the sponsorship package for the Go North Wales Tourism Awards is its way of showing solidarity with a sector which has been through tough times during and since the Covid pandemic. The company will underwrite the annual event up to 2027. This year's event is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. The firm, which has its headquarters in Criccieth and bases in Chester, Aberbargoed, Carmarthen and Telford, has been the headline sponsor of the tourism awards since 2021. Harlech Foodservice was crowned as the UK Food Wholesaler of the Year by the Caterer magazine earlier this year. More recently it was named as one of the best places to work in the UK by the Sunday Times. The firm was set up more than 50 years ago primarily to supply hotels, pubs, holiday and caravan parks and campsites across North West Wales. Its customers now include local authorities, schools and hospitals. The hospitality industry is still a key part of its customer base and Managing Director David Cattrall said: 'We are delighted to announce our continued support for the North Wales Tourism Awards. It has become such an important event in the calendar for a sector that is vital to the North Wales economy and which attracts so many people to this beautiful area of the UK. 'We are fortunate to live here but we appreciate that a big part of the offer that the tourism sector has right across North Wales is the high-quality food and drink that the region provides for its visitors. 'That's why it is so important to us that as much of what we supply as possible should come from this area because the food people eat on holiday is a big part of the reason they come to North Wales. 'North Wales is a world class tourism destination which is innovative and varied and we're proud to support those businesses by committing ourselves to backing these awards for the next three years. 'The tourism and hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic and this is our opportunity to give something back and celebrate the achievements of our core customers.' Go North Wales Director Jim Jones said: 'We're delighted that Harlech are committing to continue to support the tourism awards for the next three years. 'We have had a long and fruitful partnership with them and they have played such a key part in the region's tourism for so many years. 'We are very proud of our industry and the award event really showcases the very best of North Wales and the amazing businesses which make it a truly world class destination for visitors.'


Business News Wales
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Local Producers Urged to Join Gwynedd's Public Food Supply Network
Harlech Food Services; Mark Lawton and Toby Foskett of Harlech Foodservice Ltd. Picture Mandy Jones Cyngor Gwynedd and Larder Cymru are launching a new campaign to encourage more local food producers to join the supply chain for the county's schools, homes for the elderly and leisure centres. The aim is to strengthen the links between Gwynedd and Wales-wide producers and Welsh wholesalers, ensuring a fair price and a secure market for their products. The initiative offers new opportunities for vegetable growers, farmers, processors, and supply companies from across Wales to supply high-quality produce to schools, care homes, and leisure centres in Gwynedd. By participating, local businesses can benefit from a guaranteed market while supporting the health and well-being of the county's residents. Gethin Dwyfor, founder of Oren, a fruit and vegetable supplier from Gwynedd, said: 'We've been supplying fresh produce to local people and businesses for many years, and it's great to see an opportunity for more Welsh producers to become part of the supply chain for Gwynedd schools. It's essential that we support local businesses and our communities by using the best food available locally.' Gwynedd Council has already invested in Welsh produce, and this campaign aims to build on that success. The initiative also offers businesses one-to-one support and advice from local procurement and food experts, as well as access to local networks and events to share best practice. Through this support, businesses can get an understanding of the requirements of the supply chain, develop their capacity, and take advantage of new economic opportunities. By using local producers, the aim is to reduce food miles, reduce the carbon footprint, and promote healthy eating among school children. The campaign also looks to support local business to strengthen the economy, create sustainable jobs, and ensure that money is spent within the communities of Gwynedd and Wales. Councillor Llio Elenid Owen, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member responsible for Procurement Services, said: 'It is essential that we make every effort to support our local food producers, creating new economic opportunities and ensuring that our pupils receive nutritious and high-quality food. This initiative is an important step towards a more sustainable system.' One local business that already supplies Gwynedd schools is Sam Hollick, owner of the Llysiau Menai company. He said: 'I'm passionate about producing food in more sustainable ways – such as selling locally and planting seasonal vegetables. With climate change posing a growing threat to the food chain, I believe it's vital that we grow our own produce. Over the past year, I've been able to grow a wider variety of vegetables for specific customers, and I've built connections with other like-minded businesses in North Wales. I'm now exploring ways to supply vegetables to local schools.' Welsh food producers and suppliers interested in being part of the supply chain are encouraged to contact Gwynedd Council's procurement team by June 30 to learn more. The campaign is funded by the Welsh Government and managed by Menter Môn through Larder Cymru. Further information is available by contacting the procurement department at Cyngor Gwynedd on caffael@ or the Menter Môn team on david@