In an era where consumers are increasingly prioritizing ethical and environmental practices, the demand for sustainably sourced and delivered food and drink has reached unprecedented levels. Recognizing this shifting consumer preference, the Welsh Government has taken proactive measures to support businesses in the food and drink industry in achieving their sustainability objectives.
The Food & Drink Wales Cluster Network, established by the Welsh Government, stands as a pivotal initiative aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the country’s agri-food industry. Through this network, businesses receive the necessary support and resources to embrace sustainability and reap the subsequent benefits.
By collaborating with government, industry, and academia, the Food & Drink Wales Cluster Network employs the successful triple helix approach to address common industry challenges. At the core of this initiative is the Welsh Food and Drink Sustainability Cluster, which functions as a central hub focused on supporting and developing sustainable practices across the industry.
The Sustainability Cluster works in partnership with the Welsh Government, academia, and food innovation centres such as the Food Technology Centre, Food Centre Wales, ZERO2FIVE, and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru. Through this collaboration, businesses gain access to expertise in process improvement, automation, reformulation, packaging, waste management, and more. Additionally, the cluster offers guidance to businesses seeking B Corp certification, further demonstrating its dedication to promoting sustainable business practices.
Furthermore, under the Food & Drink Wales branding, the cluster provides businesses with a platform to showcase their sustainability credentials at high-profile events such as the Royal Welsh Show and BlasCymru/Taste Wales, thereby connecting them with a wider audience.
In addressing the issue of food waste, Cardiff-based charity FareShare Cymru has introduced the Surplus with Purpose Cymru fund, funded by the Welsh Government. This initiative aims to make it cost-neutral for eligible food businesses to donate surplus food to FareShare Cymru, covering the associated packaging, labor, and shipping costs. By reducing food waste and meeting the increasing demand for food donations, businesses have the opportunity to contribute to efforts to tackle food poverty across Wales.
As the Welsh Government’s strategic vision for the food and drink industry revolves around building a strong and vibrant sector with sustainable supply chains, the Sustainability Cluster plays a vital role in achieving this objective. By providing a valuable resource for food and drink businesses to flourish and succeed through information sharing and best practices, the cluster is instrumental in driving the industry towards greater sustainability.
In conclusion, the Food & Drink Wales Cluster Network, particularly the Welsh Food and Drink Sustainability Cluster, serves as a testament to the Welsh Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the food and drink industry. By fostering collaboration and providing businesses with the necessary support, the network stands as a beacon of progress in the pursuit of a more sustainable future for Wales’s food and drink sector. For more information on how the Sustainability Cluster can benefit your business, please visit Food & Drink Wales’s official website.