Harlech Foodservice has been devoted to delivering quality services since its foundation in 1972, all whilst respecting the communities and environments in which it operates.
With more than 40 suppliers in Wales, the independent, family-owned and managed company has seen sales of products manufactured in the country rise by 78 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024.
Championing local produce helps keep distances travelled to a minimum, and there is no better example than South Caernarfon Creameries, located just a stone’s throw away from Harlech’s main base in Gwynedd.
Wales’ oldest farm-owned dairy farmer co-operative has recently completed Project Dragon, a £25 million investment programme to expand production and packaging capabilities at its site in Rhydygwystl.
These improvements will have been expedited by 4,000kg of additional sales of Dragon Cheese and a 24 per cent uplift in Snowdonia Cheese via Harlech.
South Caernarfon Creameries is not an outlier, with Harlech also playing a key role as businesses recruit, invest, and expand operations.
Llaeth y Llan: Harlech only supply yoghurts manufactured by Llaeth, with a 59 per cent growth in purchases. Increasing demand has seen a further investment to the production facilities, which has already undergone multi-million-pound upgrades in recent years. All milk is sourced within five miles of the dairy in Llannefydd, ensuring local investment in the farms.
Radnor: A 55 per cent uplift has allowed the drinks manufacturer to invest £5m in increasing its carton capacity by 150 per cent, resulting in the creation of more than 20 new skilled jobs.
Edwards of Conwy: A 72 per cent growth courtesy of more schools and local authorities purchasing products, which comprise purchases of burgers, sausages, and meatballs, including Welsh lamb, which is always a favourite on school menus.
Henllan Bakery: Working closely together has led to a 28 per cent rise in purchases, resulting in an expansion in factory capacity and new machines, helping increase Welsh employment.
Gower Foods: Welsh butter demand has led to an increase of 30 per cent year on year.
Sidoli Cakes has also benefitted, with a 21 per cent rise in sales, with Cotteswold Dairy securing 10 per cent growth courtesy of its Welsh milk.
Range expansion has also played a key role for Harlech and its supply chain, with the business now offering 40-plus products from Sidoli Ice Cream.
Bridgend-based Ferrari’s Coffee are now more prominent than ever across Wales after linking up with the wholesaler, which has also helped Jones Crisps in Pwllheli secure growth in the impulse buy sector.
Managing director Mark Lawton said: “We are actively increasing the presence of Welsh produced goods across our core categories, whether that be through South Caernarfon Creameries and Radnor or by increasing our vegetable supply into school meal provisions via businesses such as Anglesey Potato Company, Castellmarch Farm, and Llysiau Menai.
“Growth in operations leads to enhanced employment opportunities, which in turn helps people live and spend both time and money in the country and makes for a thriving economy.”
Crucially, this has all been achieved whilst progressing the wholesaler’s net zero by 2045 target, which has included an investment in carbon efficient vehicles and solar panels installed on the head office roof in Criccieth.
Offering in excess of 4,000 product lines, the business distributes throughout the whole of Wales, the North West of England, and West Midlands, whilst ensuring delivery mileage is kept to a minimum due to increased backhaul and collections from producers using vehicles already in situ.
Mark, who has been with the company for almost a decade, continued: “We are passionate about what we do and dedicated to delivering the highest quality to all our customers across the hospitality, public, health, and education sectors.
“The Welsh Veg in Schools project is a prime example of this. Working together with the government and local organic growers, we can help deliver quality produce across the region.
“Our aim is a simple one: to meet the needs of everyone and be regarded as one of the most reliable and efficient foodservice suppliers.”
The company also actively bids to improve people’s lives through fundraising and sponsoring a range of charitable causes including Hope House Tŷ Gobaith, Mental Health Foundation, cancer support centre Maggie’s, Ysbyty Bryn Beryl, NSPCC, and the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.
The stats build on the data included in the company’s ESG report, which can be viewed here: https://www.harlech.co.uk/Sustainability
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