Unlock new Opportunities for Food and Drink Businesses in Wales

Food and beverage manufacturers and processing businesses in Wales are poised to access promising opportunities for upskilling in January 2024. This initiative is designed to provide these companies with the essential skills and knowledge needed to address the challenges posed by climate change and meet Net Zero targets.

Organized by Food & Drink Skills Wales, a program funded by the Welsh Government, these online training courses and workshops will be offered free of charge and will be led by expert instructors. The objective is to assist eligible businesses in taking meaningful steps towards achieving their sustainability and decarbonization goals. Upon completion of the training, firms will also have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one session with the instructor for further guidance and support.

The response from the industry has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 50 food and beverage companies having already completed the sustainability training course. Due to high demand, additional courses and workshops are scheduled to be held in the upcoming year.

One of the companies that participated in the sustainability course is MamGu Welshcakes, a small business based in Pembrokeshire. Laura Barthorpe, a representative of MamGu Welshcakes, expressed their enthusiasm for the training, stating, “As a small business, we are continuously looking at ways to improve and grow our business so that it can be more sustainable, therefore, this training really appealed to us.”

Similarly, Peter Rice, the managing director of Prima Foods in Llanelli, shared the positive impact of the sustainability course on their business. “As a result of the course, we have actioned environmental and people audits, integrated a sustainability policy into the business and defined our sustainability goals, perhaps the most important of which is to be Net Carbon Zero by 2030,” he said.

The objective of these workshops and training courses is to support the food and beverage industry in developing a skilled and capable workforce, thereby contributing to the broader goal of achieving Net Zero. By providing the necessary skills and knowledge, businesses will be better equipped to respond effectively to the challenges posed by climate change and to work towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

The importance of upskilling and training in the food and beverage industry cannot be overstated. With the global shift towards sustainability and the increasing focus on reducing carbon footprint, it is essential for businesses to adapt and equip themselves with the necessary tools to become more sustainable.

As Welsh businesses prepare to participate in these workshops and training courses, it is evident that there is a collective commitment towards achieving sustainable and environmentally responsible practices within the food and beverage sector.

In conclusion, the upskilling opportunities for food and beverage firms in Wales present a valuable chance for businesses to gain the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of climate change and work towards achieving Net Zero targets. With the support of Food & Drink Skills Wales, these businesses are poised to make significant strides towards sustainability and decarbonization, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally conscious and responsible industry.