Project Helix delivers £235m boost to the Welsh food and drink industry
The project has helped to create 529 jobs and safeguard a further 2,755 roles, supporting 394 business start-ups and helping to develop 1587 new food and drink products. The figures showed that 905 new markets were accessed and 1039 training days undertaken.
“These figures show what a positive impact Project Helix has had on our food and drink industry and underlines the importance of helping businesses grow, innovate, compete and reach new markets” said Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths.
New jobs
“A £235m boost, new jobs created and others safeguarded, new products developed, new businesses launched, a more skilled workforce – all this is helping to further enhance Wales’s great and growing reputation in the international food and drink industry.”
Companies who have received support from Project Helix include Puffin Produce.
Managing director, Huw Thomas said, “As a result of the knowledge and expertise from Food Innovation Wales, we have been able to adapt and strengthen our quality management systems at Puffin Produce; resulting in maintaining our BRCGS and Red Tractor certification. The support we have received from Project HELIX has been invaluable and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”
Upskilling workforce
Professor David Lloyd, on behalf of Food Innovation Wales, added: “Through Project HELIX we have been able to support food and drink businesses in Wales through upskilling workforce, supporting new business start-ups, creating and safeguarding jobs and helping businesses grow and thrive.
“The food and drink sector is vital to Wales's economy and by working closely with the Welsh Government, academia and the Welsh food industry we have set ambitious targets for innovation, job creation and economic growth within the food and drink sector.”
