About - Food and Drink AwardsFood and Drink Awards

Introduction
Our Judges
FAQs

Introduction

Dathlwch y Gorau o Fwyd a Diod Cymru yng Ngwobrau Bwyd a Diod Cymru 2026

Mae Gwobrau Bwyd a Diod Cymru yn dwyn ynghyd cynhyrchwyr, cyflenwyr ac arloeswyr o’r radd flaenaf o bob cwr o Gymru i ddathlu’r dalent a’r cyflawniadau anhygoel sy’n llunio ein diwydiant bwyd a diod. O fusnesau newydd cyffrous i arloeswyr sefydledig, dyma’r noson lle mae’r holl sylw ar straeon llwyddiant.

Rydym wrth ein bodd yn cyhoeddi partneriaeth dair blynedd gyda Castell Howell, gan barhau â’u cymorth hirdymor fel ein prif noddwr. Ar ôl bod yn hyrwyddwr y Gwobrau am y pedair blynedd diwethaf, mae ymrwymiad parhaus Castell Howell yn adlewyrchu’r angerdd a’r uchelgais sy’n gyrru sector bwyd a diod Cymru. Gyda’n gilydd, rydym yn codi’r safon ac yn taflu sbotolau ar fusnesau sy’n arloesi, yn tyfu, yn creu swyddi ac yn ysbrydoli’r genhedlaeth nesaf o gynhyrchwyr Cymreig.

Yn ôl am ei phumed flwyddyn, mae’r Gwobrau’n bwriadu croesawu dros 400 o arweinwyr y diwydiant, arloeswyr, a chrewyr blas, pob un ohonynt yn unedig i ddathlu twf, creadigrwydd, a rhagoriaeth ar draws economi Cymru.

Cynhelir y digwyddiad ffurfiol nesaf ddydd Iau, 16 Ebrill 2026, yn Arena Abertawe. Mae’r noson yn dechrau am 6:30pm gyda derbyniad diodydd rhwydweithio, ac yna’r seremoni wobrwyo a swper- cyfle na ddylid ei golli i arddangos eich busnes, dathlu cyflawniadau, a chysylltu â thalent bwyd a diod o’r radd flaenaf Cymru.

Peidiwch â cholli’ch cyfle i fod yn rhan o’r sgwrs. Allwn ni ddim aros i’ch croesawu i noson o ddathlu, ysbrydoliaeth a chydnabyddiaeth.

Liz Brookes & Sian Lloyd
Cyd-Sylfaenwyr, Gwobrau Bwyd a Diod Cymru

Celebrate the Best of Welsh Food and Drink at the Wales Food & Drink Awards 2026

The Wales Food & Drink Awards brings together the finest producers, suppliers, and innovators from every corner of Wales to celebrate the incredible talent and achievements shaping our food and drink industry. From exciting start-ups to established trailblazers, this is the night where success stories take centre stage.

We are thrilled to announce a three-year partnership with Castell Howell, continuing their long-standing support as our headline sponsor. Having championed the Awards for the past four years, Castell Howell’s ongoing commitment reflects the passion and ambition driving Wales’s food and drink sector. Together, we are raising the bar and shining a spotlight on businesses that innovate, scale up, create jobs, and inspire the next generation of Welsh producers.

Back for its fifth year, the Awards are set to host over 400 industry leaders, pioneers, and tastemakers, all united in celebrating growth, creativity, and excellence across the Welsh economy.

The next black-tie event takes place on Thursday, 16th April 2026, at Swansea Arena. The evening kicks off at 6:30pm with a networking drinks reception, followed by the awards ceremony and dinner—a truly unmissable opportunity to showcase your business, celebrate achievements, and connect with Wales’s finest food and drink talent.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation. We can’t wait to welcome you to an evening of celebration, inspiration, and recognition.

Liz Brookes & Sian Lloyd
Co-founders of the Wales Food and Drink Awards

Our Judges

Rhys Iley – Chair of Judges

Rhys has had a long career in the food and drink industry both in the UK and overseas, working for the likes of Marks and Spencer, and Starbucks. Rhys is currently the Chair of Haverfordwest based Puffin Produce Ltd, known throughout Wales for their Blas y Tir brand, and is Chair of the parent company of Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd a new liquid milk bottling facility supplying major Supermarkets that opened in the spring of 2024. Rhys is also the Retail and Operations Director for Costa Coffee, responsible for around 2000 stores across the whole of the UK. In addition, Rhys is the owner and founder of the Speciality Coffee Roasting Company “Cribyn Coffee Company”, located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, and in his spare time, Rhys breeds pedigree Southdown Sheep.

Haydn Pugh

Head of Sales & Marketing, Castell Howell

Haydn Pugh has recently been appointed as the Head of Sales and Marketing at Castell Howell. Having been a part of the team for 14 years, Haydn’s journey from Cash & Carry Warehouse Assistant to his new role is a prime example of how the business supports its team from within.

Liz Brookes

Founder and Director of Grapevine Event Management

Liz founded Grapevine Event Management in March 2011 and it is now one of the most well recognised corporate events companies in Wales delivering high quality creative and innovative events. Liz is the co-founder of the Welsh Food & Drink Awards. Speaking about the awards Liz has said “The exciting Food and Drink sector in Wales is constantly developing, it’s where many important innovations are taking place, and is driving further growth within the Welsh economy.

Faqs

How many categories can I enter?

You can enter up to 2 categories.

Is my company eligible to enter the awards?

The business must be located within Wales. The business should have started to trade on or before 16^th April 2025.

How long is the interview?

The interview should take no longer than 15 minutes. A 5 minute presentation and 10 minutes of Q&A. We request no computer aids, as we would love to hear the passion come from you directly.

How many people can attend/join the interview?

We kindly request that only 2 representatives attend/join the virtual interview.

Can someone attend in my absence?

Yes of course, we welcome any passionate member of your company/team to attend to let us know why you are so great!

If I/my company is shortlisted, do I get any free tickets to the Awards night?

Everyone is asked to purchase tickets from the website in advance of the evening. Priority is given to shortlisted companies and sponsors but it is on a first come first served basis so you are advised to book early to guarantee the tickets you require.

How much are tickets for the Wales Food and Drink Awards?

We will offer an EarlyBird rate which are £99+VAT, these tickets will be available until 26th February or until they sell out. After this, tickets are £109+VAT. Payment must be made prior to the event.