Welsh Government’s Project HELIX delivers £676m boost to food and drink sector
Welsh Government’s Project HELIX delivers £676m boost to food and drink sector
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A Welsh Government-backed initiative that provides technical support to food and drink manufacturers in Wales has generated an economic impact of more than £676 million since its launch in 2016.
Project HELIX, one of the Government’s flagship programmes for the sector, has been instrumental in helping companies improve process efficiencies, develop new products, and meet food safety certification requirements. The announcement coincides with the publication of the Project HELIX Annual Report 2024-25, covering the period from 1 July 2023 to 31 March 2025.
During this period, Project HELIX delivered over £303 million impact, supported the creation of 188 jobs and safeguarded more than 6,100, helped companies bring 533 new products to market, and assisted 199 businesses – including 103 start-ups – in gaining 149 third-party certifications.
As a result of its success, the programme has been relaunched with additional Welsh Government funding as the HELIX Programme, with expanded support for sustainable growth and innovation.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “The remarkable £676 million impact delivered by Project HELIX demonstrates how strategic government investment can transform an industry. This initiative has been a cornerstone of our support for Welsh food and drink manufacturers, creating jobs, driving innovation, and helping businesses thrive in competitive markets.
“The success stories from companies like Pembrokeshire Gold, Llanfairpwll Distillery, and Mario’s Ice Cream highlight the practical benefits this technical support brings to businesses of all sizes across Wales.
“I’m delighted to announce continued funding through the HELIX Programme, which will build on this success by bringing together industry, government and academia to support sustainable growth in one of Wales’ most important sectors. This renewed commitment reflects our confidence in Welsh food and drink producers and our determination to see them continue to innovate, expand, and showcase Welsh quality on the global stage.”
Businesses benefiting from the project range from family-run Pembrokeshire Gold, which received help with factory design, product development and labelling, to Llanfairpwll Distillery in Anglesey, which was supported in converting rum production waste into animal feed, and Carmarthenshire-based Mario’s Ice Cream, which secured a globally recognised food safety certification.
Harry Thomas, co-owner of Pembrokeshire Gold, said: “The support from Project HELIX has been a huge help in developing our product range. Their expertise in new product development gave us the knowledge and belief to turn our cold pressed rapeseed oil into something more – and something we’re really proud of.”
Robert Laming, owner of Llanfairpwll Distillery, added: “Project HELIX support has enabled us to manufacture our rum with zero waste, which helps to reduce pollution and preserve resources whilst saving money for both the farmer and us.”
And Riccardo Dallavalle, director of operations at Mario’s Ice Cream, said: “The support from Project HELIX has been vital in enabling Mario’s to secure BRCGS Start certification and as a result drive further business growth.”
Professor David Lloyd, speaking on behalf of the HELIX Programme, commented: “The impact of Project HELIX both financially and in terms of employment, is a testament to the effectiveness of the knowledge that has been shared between industry, government and academia through the project.
“With the launch of the HELIX Programme, the Welsh Government has further demonstrated its commitment to encouraging sustainable growth in the Welsh food and drink foundation sector through a strong emphasis on productivity improvement, innovation and attaining industry leading standards.”
The programme is delivered through Food Centre Wales in Ceredigion, the Food Technology Centre in Anglesey, and Cardiff Metropolitan University’s ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre. AberInnovation in Ceredigion will now also provide pan-Wales academic research support as part of the relaunch.
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