A taste of Wales: 7 Welsh businesses making their mark beyond Wales

Rooted in tradition and craftsmanship, Welsh food and drink are making waves far beyond the borders of Wales. From supermarket shelves across the UK to markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, Welsh producers are turning local expertise into global recognition.

The Abergavenny Food Festival (20-21 September 2025) showcases this ambition, bringing together over 200 exhibitors, chefs, authors, and food lovers for tastings, demonstrations, debates, and live events. Beyond celebrating Wales, it puts Welsh food and drink firmly on the international stage, proving that local craftsmanship can travel far.

To celebrate, we are spotlighting seven Welsh businesses whose products, creativity, and ambition have earned them success around the globe, from award-winning preserves and honey to craft beer and whisky.

Meridian Foods 

Founded in the 1980s by Andrew Jedwell, Meridian Foods has grown from a health-shop favourite into one of the UK and Ireland’s fastest-growing food brands. Based in Wrexham, the company produces a wide range of nut butters in its own factory, stocked since 2013 by major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose, and Holland & Barrett.

Meridian was the first UK nut butter brand to be certified palm-oil-free, reflecting its commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Nuts and seeds are carefully selected from around the world, with origins varying by season, while operations remain environmentally responsible. With strong nationwide recognition and growing international reach, Meridian has become a trusted choice for health-conscious consumers.

Black Mountains Smokery

Founded in 1996 by Jo and Jonathan Carthew, Black Mountains Smokery is based in Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons. The family-run business produces award-winning smoked fish, meats, cheeses, and hampers using traditional oak-smoking methods with sustainably sourced Welsh oak, and delivers nationwide through its online shop.

The brand has earned widespread UK recognition, including a Golden Fork at the Great Taste Awards for its smoked Gressingham duck breast. A regular at the Abergavenny Food Festival (including in 2025) it has built a strong national reputation and is well-positioned for future international growth.

Hilltop Honey

Founded in 2011 by Scott Davies in Newtown, Powys, Hilltop Honey has grown from a small local venture into a household name. Known for its pure, raw, and organic honeys, the company now supplies a third of the UK market, producing 14,000 tons annually in various forms. Its products are stocked nationwide by Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda, while the brand also pursues international expansion.

In 2025, Hilltop represented Wales at Gulfood, one of the world’s largest food trade shows, creating new links with partners in the US, the Middle East, and Australia. With a strong supermarket presence at home and a growing global profile, it stands as one of Wales’ most dynamic and ambitious food success stories.

Tiny Rebel

Founded in 2012 by friends Bradley Cummings and Gareth Williams, Tiny Rebel has grown from a garage project in Newport into one of Wales’ best-known independent breweries. With bold flavours and playful branding, it has carved a distinct place in the craft beer scene.

Today, 15% of its production is exported to countries, including Australia, Japan, Norway, and Sweden, while UK listings with Sainsbury’s and the Co-op have expanded its reach at home. With global exports, supermarket presence, and a loyal following, Tiny Rebel showcases Welsh creativity on the international stage.

Welsh Lady Preserves

Founded in 1966 by Dio and Marion Jones in Pwllheli, North Wales, Welsh Lady Preserves has grown into a globally recognised brand, exporting to the USA, Canada, Australia and across Europe. All products are traditionally handmade at the Llyn Peninsula factory, including jams, marmalades, fruit curds, chutneys, sauces, and jellies. The company has won numerous awards for taste and quality, notably securing the Supreme Champion title at the Great Taste Awards twice, for its All Butter Lemon Curd and Apple & Cinnamon Curd.

In 2025, Welsh Lady Preserves represented Wales at Gulfood, highlighting the growing global appetite for traditional Welsh food. With decades of expertise and a commitment to authentic, high-quality production, the brand exemplifies the enduring appeal of Welsh artisanal food on the international stage.

Penderyn Distillery

Founded in the late 1990s, Penderyn Distillery revived Welsh whisky in the Brecon Beacons, using a unique copper single-pot still to produce light, fruity, and full-flavoured whiskies. The brand has since expanded with distilleries in Llandudno (2021) and Swansea (2023), exporting to over 50 countries. Its single malts have won more than 100 awards, earning a global reputation for quality.

In 2024, Penderyn strengthened its presence in Asia, with the Dragon series particularly popular in Taiwan, Japan, and China. At Whisky Live Manila, the distillery showcased its whiskies to over 3,000 enthusiasts, cementing its international profile. With innovative production methods and a distinctive Welsh heritage, Penderyn continues to represent Wales worldwide and will feature at the Abergavenny Food Festival 2025.

Halen Môn

Founded in 1996 by Alison and David Lea-Wilson, Halen Môn harvests sea salt from the Menai Strait on the Isle of Anglesey. In 2014, it became one of the first Welsh food products to achieve Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

Halen Môn produces flavoured salts, ketchups, gift sets, and sea-salt skincare products. Stocked by Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, and featured in top restaurants such as The Fat Duck, its products are exported to over 20 countries and have been served at the London 2012 Olympics, political summits, and a royal wedding - a true example of a Welsh producer achieving global acclaim.