Leading Welsh food and drink conference set for Llandudno

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Professor David Lloyd, who will speak at this year's event, poses with Member of the Senedd Lesley Griffiths and Food Innovation Wales' Martin Jardine. Credit: Food & Drink Wales

The 2024 edition of the Blas Cymru / Taste Wales conference is set to take place on 24 October at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

Organised by the Welsh Government’s Food & Drink Wales division, the conference will host hundreds of attendees from across the sector.

Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to explore the full suite of Welsh Government support available to food and drink businesses based in the country.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Bridges to Success’, with the day featuring a mix of practical seminars, industry workshops, expert panels and specialist surgeries on topics ranging from sustainable packaging to the value of Welsh identity for consumers.

Speaking at the event will be Professor David Lloyd, current chair of the Food & Drink Wales Industry Board, who sat down for an interview with Food Manufacture during the 2023 edition of Blas Cymru / Taste Wales.

The purpose of the board is to help grow, promote and enhance the reputation of the Welsh food and drink industry by acting as a conduit between government and the wider industry and business.

“The Welsh food and drink industry is fortunate to have such a close working relationship between government, academia and industry, and events like these demonstrate that in practice,” said Lloyd.

The conference will provide a unique platform to help drive collaboration and innovation, as well as an invaluable opportunity for businesses to gain insights and build lasting connections. I look forward to meeting lots of different people who work in the industry, and learning more about how the board can help drive the industry forward.”

Also appearing at the event will be the Welsh cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS.

“I look forward to being at Blas Cymru / Taste Wales, which is such a great opportunity for the industry to network with leading industry delegates, and work collaboratively to find solutions for the challenges that face it,” Skates added.

“I was delighted to note over the summer that the industry continues to grow and flourish, and this is a reflection on the fantastic work taking place by our food and drink businesses. Together, we will build on these foundations, to overcome challenges, and to continue the successful, dynamic journey of the industry in Wales.”

Read further coverage of last year’s event here.