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.
Caroline Dawson
Founder of Fodder Lass Consulting and Free Ranging Agri Food Consultant
Caroline, who grew up in rural North Wales, possesses a broad background in the local food and tourism sectors. With a diverse background in Welsh food and drink, she works as a consultant, collaborating with both start-ups and established businesses. Her innovative and solution-focused approach aims to foster sustainable growth for her clients.
In addition to her consulting work, Caroline has been a judge for the Great Taste Awards since 2015, serving alongside the Guild of Fine Food. Her expertise in food judging further enhances her contributions to the industry.
Yash C Dhutia
Yash moved to Wales to take over Ferraris Coffee 6 years ago, in this time the business has scaled from a local distribution business to an accredited manufacturer of Coffee supplying both national and international contracts. In these years Yash has developed a passion for Welsh food and drink and is keen to champion other small businesses who wish to grow their business producing in Wales.
Robin Jones
Former Managing Director of Jones Village Bakery
Master baker Robin Jones is a driving force in the Welsh food industry, blending craftsmanship with bold commercial vision. As former Managing Director of Jones Village Bakery, he transformed a small Coedpoeth bakery with five staff into a global brand and major employer of over 1,000 across six sites. He oversaw major investment in state-of-the-art facilities, earning the King’s Award for Enterprise and accolades including British Baker of the Year. Today, Robin focuses on championing Welsh food and drink, promoting quality, innovation, and international recognition, ensuring Wales’ culinary excellence continues to thrive on the global stage.
Andrew Martin
Andrew Martin is the head of food, drink, and agri-tech at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru. With over two decades of experience, Andrew’s expertise lies in leveraging new technologies to enhance productivity whilst driving forward a net zero industry.
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? / Faint o gategorïau alla i ymgeisio amdanynt?
You can enter up to 2 categories.
Gallwch ymgeisio ar gyfer hyd at 2 gategori.
Is my company eligible to enter the awards?/A yw fy nghwmni’n gymwys i ymgeisio am y gwobrau?
The business must be located within Wales. The business should have started to trade on or before 16th April 2025.
Rhaid i’r busnes fod wedi’i leoli yng Nghymru. Dylai’r busnes fod wedi dechrau masnachu ar neu cyn 16 Ebrill 2025.
How long is the interview?/Pa mor hir yw’r cyfweliad?
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.
Ni ddylai’r cyfweliad gymryd mwy na 15 munud. Cyflwyniad 5 munud a 10 munud o holi ac ateb. Gofynnwn ichi beidio â defnyddio unrhyw gymhorthion cyfrifiadurol, gan y byddem wrth ein bodd yn clywed yr angerdd yn dod gennych chi’n uniongyrchol.
How many people can attend/join the interview?/Faint o bobl all fynychu/ymuno â’r cyfweliad?
We kindly request that only 2 representatives attend/join the virtual interview.
Gofynnwn yn garedig mai dim ond 2 gynrychiolydd sy’n mynychu/ ymuno â’r cyfweliad rhithwir.
Can someone attend in my absence?/A all rhywun fynychu yn fy absenoldeb?
Yes of course, we welcome any passionate member of your company/team to attend to let us know why you are so great!
Wrth gwrs, rydym yn croesawu unrhyw aelod angerddol o’ch cwmni/tîm i fynychu i roi gwybod i ni pam eich bod chi mor wych!
If I/my company is shortlisted, do I get any free tickets to the Awards night?/Os byddaf i/fy nghwmni yn cyrraedd y rhestr fer, a fyddaf yn cael unrhyw docynnau am ddim i’r Noson Wobrwyo?
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.
Gofynnir i bawb brynu tocynnau o’r wefan cyn y noson. Rhoddir blaenoriaeth i gwmnïau a noddwyr sydd ar y rhestr fer ond ar sail y cyntaf i’r felin y byddwn yn gwerthu’r tocynnau, felly fe’ch cynghorir i archebu’n gynnar i sicrhau bod gennych chi’r tocynnau sydd eu hangen arnoch.
How much are tickets for the Wales Food and Drink Awards?/Faint mae tocyn ar gyfer Gwobrau Bwyd a Diod Cymru yn ei gostio?
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 £110+VAT. Payment must be made prior to the event.
Byddwn yn cynnig cyfradd EarlyBird sef £99 + TAW, bydd y tocynnau hyn ar gael tan 26 Chwefror neu nes eu bod yn gwerthu allan. Ar ôl hyn, mae tocynnau’n £110 + TAW. Rhaid gwneud taliad cyn y digwyddiad.
What is included in the ticket price?/Beth sydd wedi’i gynnwys ym mhris y tocyn?
The ticket includes a networking drinks reception and a 3-course meal.
Mae’r tocyn yn cynnwys derbyniad diodydd rhwydweithio a phryd 3 chwrs.
Are tickets refundable?/A oes modd cael ad-daliad am docynnau?
Refunds are available as long as cancellation is received no later than 10 days prior to the event. Read our full T&C’s here.
Mae ad-daliadau ar gael cyn belled â’ch bod chi’n canslo o leiaf 10 diwrnod cyn y digwyddiad. Darllenwch ein Telerau ac Amodau llawn yma.
Are tickets transferable?/A yw tocynnau’n drosglwyddadwy?
Yes, just let us know their full name contact details including name, organisation and if they have any dietary requirements.
Ydyn, rhowch wybod i ni eu henw llawn a’u manylion cyswllt gan gynnwys enw, sefydliad ac a oes ganddyn nhw unrhyw ofynion deietegol.
Where are the awards held?/Ble mae’r gwobrau’n cael eu cynnal?
The awards are held in Swansea Arena. The venue can be found here: https://www.swansea-arena.co.uk/
Cynhelir y gwobrau yn Arena Abertawe. Gallwch weld y lleoliad yma: https://www.swansea-arena.co.uk
What’s the dress code?/Beth yw’r cod gwisg?
The dress code is Black Tie, formal/cocktail wear.
Y cod gwisg yw Tei Du, gwisg ffurfiol/coctel.
Can I pre-order wine?/A allaf archebu gwin ymlaen llaw?
Yes, a form will be sent to you once your ticket booking has been confirmed.
Gallwch, anfonir ffurflen atoch unwaith y bydd eich archeb docynnau wedi’i chadarnhau.
