Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Retail Plan to help industry entrepreneurs

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The Welsh Government is looking to see the turnover value for the food and drink industry grow proportionally more than the UK as a whole.

The aim of the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Retail Plan is to help create a stream of new entrepreneurial food and drink businesses, strengthen working relationships with retailers and help small and medium sized producers to further develop expertise.

Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd Lesley Griffiths said the plan aims to help more businesses achieve the success of companies such as Authentic Curries and World Foods in getting their products on the shelves of major retailers.

The minister visited the Hirwaun company recently to meet the team and see some of the products which are currently listed in Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Co-op and Sainsbury stores across Wales.

Authentic Curries and World Foods has also rebranded and relaunched with new pack graphics.

Ms Griffiths said: “It was great to visit Authentic Curries and World Foods in Hirwaun to see first-hand how successful the company has been in building relations with major retailers and getting their products in their stores.

“The company is an important employer in the area and it was good to hear about their current business developments including their healthier options low calorie meals project.

“I want to see more of our fantastic producers and suppliers achieve similar success. The Welsh Government’s new Food and Drink Retail Plan will be key to this and will support Welsh businesses to achieve strong, sustainable and focused growth.

“I am extremely proud of the companies in the sector which are right across Wales and we are committed to helping them see their exciting, innovative and high quality food and drink items enjoyed by more and more people.”

Paul Trotman the managing director of Authentic Curries and World Foods added: “I was delighted to welcome the Minister to Hirwaun and be able to tell her the about the progress that we have been making.

“Working with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, our new healthier options low calorie meals are providing healthy, nutritionally balanced food for NHS staff and visitors alike. We hope to introduce them to other Health authorities soon.

“Our retail business is progressing well. We have updated our branding with a refreshed pack design with stronger branding and high quality photography which has seen sales grow by over 30% and thanks to the Welsh Government’s Trade Development programme we have been introduced to further potential new customers.”