The latest outputs from Welsh government and EU-funded Project HELIX, an initiative developed to boost innovation and efficiency in the Welsh food and drink industry, show it has delivered over £235 million of impact, since it launched in 2016.
The initiative, delivered by Food Innovation Wales, is a partnership of three food centres based in north, mid/west and south Wales.
According to Food Innovation Wales, to date Project HELIX has delivered benefits to the Welsh food and drink industry including:
- £235 million impact
- 529 jobs created and a further 2755 safeguarded
- 996 individuals and 628 businesses supported
- 1039 training days undertaken
- 394 business start-ups assisted
- 905 new markets accessed
- 1587 new food and drink products developed
Upskilling the workforce
Professor David Lloyd, on behalf of Food Innovation Wales, expressed his delight at the latest figures: “Through Project HELIX we have been able to support food and drink businesses in Wales through upskilling workforce, supporting new business start-ups, creating and safeguarding jobs and helping businesses grow and thrive.
“The food and drink sector is vital to Wales’s economy and by working closely with the Welsh government, academia and the Welsh food industry we have set ambitious targets for innovation, job creation and economic growth within the food and drink sector.”
Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths, urged producers and manufacturers “to explore what support is available through Project HELIX and how its expertise and advanced technical facilities can be of benefit to them.”
