Fifth annual awards celebrate Welsh food and drink
The winners of the fifth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards were announced at the Swansea Building Society Arena on 16 April 2026.
The awards attracted more than 200 entries, with hundreds attending the ceremony. They recognised businesses and individuals across Welsh food and drink, from established companies to ambitious start-ups.
Among the winners were Dunbia UK, named Food Producer of the Year; Bluestone Brewing Company, Drinks Producer of the Year; BRØD – The Danish Bakery, Artisan Business of the Year; Penderyn Distillery, Exporter of the Year; and Pembrokeshire Creamery, Farm to Fork Producer of the Year.
Recognition across the sector
The programme covered 16 award categories spanning apprenticeships, artisan production, business resilience, exporting, innovation, sustainability and community impact.
Other winners included Scott Magill of Whocult as Entrepreneur of the Year, Flavour Moments as Start-Up of the Year, Lean Kitchen as Scale-Up Business of the Year and Kepak Merthyr as Sustainable Business of the Year.
The Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to Huw Thomas in recognition of his work in Welsh agriculture and his commitment to innovation, sustainability and community.
Why recognition matters for local producers
Awards programmes can help producers build credibility, visibility and trust. For artisan brands, family-run farms and independent food businesses, national recognition can strengthen customer awareness while opening doors to retail, hospitality and export opportunities.
Recognition also helps reinforce the wider reputation of Welsh produce across sectors including meat, dairy, drinks and speciality goods.
A national showcase for Welsh food
The awards bring together producers, suppliers, farmers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from across Wales. The 2026 ceremony demonstrated the range of businesses contributing to the sector, from food manufacturers and farm businesses to drinks producers and hospitality operators.
Castell Howell Foods supported the awards as headline sponsor and committed to backing the programme for a further three years.
Supporting the future of Welsh food businesses
As Welsh food producers navigate changing consumer habits, sustainability pressures and global competition, national recognition can provide useful visibility and encourage new commercial connections.
By recognising achievement across the industry, the awards highlight the people and businesses contributing to the long-term future of Welsh food and drink.
Sources
Wales Food and Drink Awards — 2026 Awards
Business News Wales — Winners of the 2026 Wales Food and Drink Awards Announced
Business News Wales — Wales Food and Drink Awards 2026 Finalists Unveiled
