The Welsh Government’s Project HELIX has made a substantial impact on the food and drink industry, contributing over £676 million in value. This initiative, designed to assist manufacturers in areas like product development, food safety, and operational efficiency, has proven a key driver of industry growth over the past decade.
Since its relaunch in July 2023, HELIX has generated an additional £303 million for the sector. The project has supported 199 companies, including 103 start-ups, and facilitated the creation of 188 new jobs. Furthermore, 533 new products were developed, and 149 companies achieved third-party certifications.
Helix has also played a critical role in enhancing operational processes, such as waste reduction. For example, Pembrokeshire Gold, a rapeseed oil manufacturer, improved its product range with guidance from the programme, while Llanfairpwll Distillery in Anglesey transformed waste liquids into profitable animal feed.
With continued government investment, the HELIX Programme will focus on supporting sustainable growth and innovation in the sector. The initiative is backed by three major food centres in Wales, with additional academic research support from AberInnovation.