A Welsh Government funded project that aims to provide technical support to Welsh food and drink manufacturers has reportedly delivered over £676 million impact since it launched in 2016.
The project, named Project HELIX, has helped provide food producers with assistance including help with food safety certification scheme compliance, new product development and improving process efficiencies.
The announcement of Project HELIX’s total impact coincided with the launch of the Project HELIX Annual Report 2024-25, which focused on the period 1st July 2023 – 31st March 2025.
Since 1st July 2023, Welsh Government said Project HELIX has:
- Delivered more than £303 million impact to the Welsh food and drink industry
- Supported the creation of 188 jobs and safeguarded a further 6,131
- Helped companies develop 533 new products and gain 149 third-party certifications
- Worked with 199 companies, including 103 start-ups
Welsh Government has now revealed further funding for the project, relaunched as the HELIX Programme.
Commenting on the project, Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs 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.
“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’s 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.”
Professor David Lloyd, on behalf of the HELIX Programme, said: “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.”
