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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
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Search for Wales' STEM Stars of 2025 Begins
The 2025 Wales STEM Awards have officially launched, aiming to spotlight the organisations and individuals driving innovation and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Wales. This year's ceremony will take place on 16th October at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. Entries are now open across 15 categories—including STEM Company of the Year, STEM Woman of the Year, and Innovation in STEM—with a submission deadline of 25th July 2025. Returning as headline sponsor is Cardiff Metropolitan University, joined by CSA Catapult and new to the sponsor lineup is IP firm, Wynne Jones IP, who sponsor the Innovation in STEM category. Category sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses looking to align themselves with Wales' thriving STEM community. Martin McHugh, former CEO of CSA Catapult, has been appointed as the new Chair of Judges. He said: 'We must continue to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those individuals and companies that work tirelessly to encourage and support STEM. The awards are a great way of recognising those achievements and saying thank you for the incredible hard work. If you or your company are working in or promoting STEM, I would encourage you to enter the awards and get some recognition for your company and colleagues.' Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, added: 'As we launch the 2025 awards, it's inspiring to see the continued growth and innovation within Wales' STEM sectors. Each year, we uncover remarkable stories of dedication and ingenuity, and we look forward to celebrating these achievements on the national stage.' The awards come at a pivotal time. Recent research indicates that the STEM skills shortage could cost the UK economy £120 billion by 2030 if unaddressed. In Wales, the manufacturing industry alone provides over 147,000 jobs, accounting for one in nine of the workforce, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals in STEM fields. Last year's winners included companies such as Antiverse, Ipsen Biopharm and Wales Interactive, as well as inspiring individuals like Claire Jenkins from the Intellectual Property Office and Georgia Cox from Tata Steel UK, showcasing the incredible breadth of talent and innovation across Wales' STEM sectors. The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and communications agency jamjar. For more information on entering or sponsoring the awards, visit
