Written question WQ83182

The food and drink industry in Wales continues to show signs of success, despite the difficulties associated with Covid and Brexit. In 2020 the manufacturing sector alone had a turnover of £4.9bn.

In North Wales the Welsh Government continues to support the Food Technology Centre at Grŵp Coleg Llandrillo and Food Innovation Wales (FIW), providing funding for a recent expansion of facilities and AMRC Cymru in its manufacturing work with food and drink businesses, as well as providing decarbonisation and sustainable packaging support to individual businesses. The Food Business Investment Scheme (FBIS) and other business programmes to support the growth and development of the industry. Recently the Welsh Government supported the expansion of Mona Dairies, expansion of KK Fine Foods, South Carnarvon Creameries (SCC) and investment by Futura Foods and Saint Buenos Dairies in North Wales.

The Food Technology Centre has supported the strategic direction of the Welsh Food and Drink industry for the past 20 years and has successfully delivered thousands of bespoke knowledge transfer projects.

Welsh Government recognises that tourism and food are closely linked and bringing them together can create win-wins. Our support for Protected Food Name products such as Anglesey Sea Salt and nearby Conwy Mussels and Denbigh Plums, are all examples the designation recognising the quality of produce originating from North Wales can also promote place based destination.

The Food Business Investment Scheme (FBIS), funded through the Rural Development Programme supports primary producers of agricultural products to add value to first or second processing activities. It is also designed to improve the performance and competitiveness of their businesses; to respond to consumer demand; to encourage diversification and to identify, exploit and service new emerging and existing markets. Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) are a particular priority for support. Over 30 projects have been approved in North Wales, with a total grant awarded of £23 million, and match funding commitment of £48 million.

The FBIS scheme provides funding for capital investments in plant and equipment that offers clear and quantifiable benefits to primary producers, either directly or indirectly to primary sectors who provide quality agricultural raw materials.