Recruitment and retention remain among the key challenges facing the food and drink manufacturing sector. Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Terry Fennell of FDQ, Ellen Wakelam of In the Welsh Wind Distillery and Nia Griffith of Food & Drink Skills Wales to consider the role apprenticeships, traineeships and upskilling play in recruitment and retention and whether the sector’s image is stopping talent seeing it as a viable career option.

What skills does the food and drink manufacturing sector in Wales need to nurture to continue to thrive? Host Carwyn Jones is joined by Kate Rees of Food & Drink Skills Wales, Chris Butler of Radnor Hills, and Sarah Drummond of Drop Bear to consider the main skills challenges facing the sector and opportunities to upskill the current and future workforce, whilst highlighting the emerging trends and innovative approaches by businesses in developing and advancing their employees.

Host Gemma Casey is joined by Hannah Thomas, Fareshare Cymru; Rhys Llywelyn, BIC Innovation; Neil Burchell, Food & Drink Wales Trade Development Programme; and Paul Bancroft, Peter’s Food Service, to consider the issue of food waste, opportunities around export and new markets, and how businesses can build resilience in the wake of pressures around finances, sustainability and staffing.