The Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (26 January) encouraged Welsh producers and supply chain companies to register for their free listing on the Welsh Food and Drink Directory.
The digital register already contains more than 600 listings and exists to raise awareness of Welsh products. Companies of all sizes are featured in the directory, which has been produced by Food Innovation Wales on behalf of Food and Drink Wales. Users can search for producers, co-packers, ingredient suppliers and packaging manufacturers based on location, BRCGS product category, supply channel, export capacity and certification.
Encouraging producers to take part in the scheme, Janet said:
“The Welsh Food and Drink Directory is an initiative that rightly harnesses the power of the internet and digital reach to raise global awareness about our nation's plethora of unique products. I encourage producers and supply chain companies to sign up for their free listing.
“This register will help to promote sustainable food production and waste efficiency as it also lets companies advertise waste that may be of value to other businesses. Knowledge is power, and so it is the joining of these dots which will assist in our efforts to confront climate change.
“Whilst this register will certainly assist with global recognition for our fantastic produce, there is space for improvement in Welsh food exports. For some time now, I have been calling on the Minister to introduce a statutory target for improving the shelf-life of Welsh lamb, so that it can better compete with New Zealand. There is global potential to tap into.
“On the domestic front, I have also been a strong proponent of plans to introduce a Local Food and Drink Charter as a means of encouraging our nation’s shops, cafés, and restaurants to sell locally sourced Welsh produce. After all, there is no better way to support farmers and Welsh produce than us, the people of Wales, buying Welsh.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Based at three food centres across Wales, Food Innovation Wales consists of industry experts who have committed to helping food and drink companies grow, innovate, compete and reach new markets.
- For more information, and to submit an entry to the directory, please click here.
Photo: Irene Kredenets on Unsplash
