Recently Larder Cymru, a Menter Môn project, alongside four Welsh food producers attended the LACA-UK event on the 6th and 7th of July, the only national event dedicated to the school food sector held at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham’s NEC.
Welsh producers Henllan Bakery, Harlech Foodserivce Ltd, Llaeth y Llan and Plas Farm were present on the Larder Cymru stand at the LACA-UK Main Event to showcase the produce they can offer to the school food sector across the United Kingdom.
Bethan Fraser-Williams, Projects Director at Menter Môn said: “The LACA-UK event is the only dedicated national event aimed at the school food sector. It’s a great opportunity for Welsh food producers to showcase their offerings to the sector and make connections with various local authorities and private sector companies working within the school food supply chain across the UK.”
“Our aim with Larder Cymru is to develop shorter supply chains, and support the food and drink sector in Wales to respond to public sector opportunities. Shorter supply chains can lead to circular economy benefits as well as improved sustainability of supply which in turn have a knock-on effect for employment and local industry. We are seeing interest from new and established businesses in public sector supply as a route to market at a time where new opportunities are opening.
Owain Roberts, Llaeth y Llan Director said: “We had a very busy two days down in Birmingham for the LACA-UK event networking with various potential customers. The public sector is a market we are looking to delve into further, and hopefully following the event we’ll have more opportunities to supply the public sector.”
David Roberts, Key Account Manager – Education at Harlech Foodservice Ltd said: “It was a great event for the school food sector, it was the place to be. Speaking with both new and old suppliers and being able to catch-up on developments within the sector.”
David added: “The work that Larder Cymru is doing to drive the important of local produce to the customer, and for Harlech Foodservice to be a part of the project is great for our business, and the whole ethos of Welsh produce, and we have seen a rise in interest for Welsh produce, not only from customers based in Wales but across the UK, as Wales is a hot bed for great food and produce.”
For more information, visit www.lardercymru.wales or email info@lardercymru.wales. Alternatively, follow @mentermon on social media.
