Welsh business specialist, Gwyn Thomas, has been appointed Chair of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Trade Development Group, part of the Food and Drink Advisory Partnership.
Through his new appointment, Mr Thomas will work with producers and the industry to increase the profile and market opportunities for Welsh food and drink.
The Food and Drink Advisory Partnership last year took over from the Agri-Food Partnership, and is responsible for taking forward the development and implementation of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Food & Drink from Wales Strategy.
The Partnership’s role is to ensure effective strategic links with the various cross-sector groups and provide advice to the Welsh Assembly Government.
Mr Thomas has a wealth of experience in the retail and marketing sectors. He spent 24 years working with Tesco, in a number of roles including Welsh Marketing Manager with responsibility for sourcing Welsh produce, Chairman of of the Tesco All Wales Charity - raising £500,000 for the Noah’s Ark Appeal - Chairman of the Tesco 1999 Rugby World Cup Programme, and Lead Negotiator of the Tesco Market Town Procurement Team.
Prior to setting up his own business consultancy - INSIGHT Intelligence Limited – Mr Thomas was Commercial & Marketing Director for the Welsh Rugby Union Group, where he created and implemented the WRU / Millennium Stadium Brand Value guidelines and strategic marketing plans forging links with global companies including Nestle, COORS and Coca-Cola.
Through INSIGHT, Mr Thomas has worked with blue chip companies such as HJ Heinz and John West Foods; as well as providing business support and strategic mentoring to SME’s on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.
Said Mr Thomas, “I think there’s a fantastic opportunity for Welsh food, customers are demanding provenance, quality and value for money and Welsh food leads this sector.
“There are great people in the industry: I want to bring them together as a powerful force to drive Welsh food forward and make it accessible for everyone.
We fully accept the challenge of supporting thriving communities and companies whilst creating a sustainable business environment for the people of Wales and for future generations”.
Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said, "I am pleased to appoint Gwyn Thomas to this important role at a time when the Welsh food and drink industry has established its place in the market of quality premium food, strongly supported by the Welsh Assembly Government. Gwyn's experience in retail and marketing is extensive and should prove invaluable to the future of our food and drink sector in Wales, the UK and internationally ."