WIREDGOV

A North Wales food producer has recently gained worldwide success and recognition at the Queen’s Award for international trade. 

Plas Farm Ltd, founded in 1989 and based in Gaerwen, Anglesey produces natural, zero fat and low fat frozen yogurt in a range of flavours.  Its success at the Queens Award follows a  495% growth in its overseas sales over the last three years with the company now exporting to ten countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Funding from the Welsh Government’s Processing & Marketing Grant has allowed Plas Farm to build an extension and triple their frozen storage capacity. This has enabled them to meet the growing worldwide demand for frozen yogurt.

Minister for Natural Resources and Food, Alun Davies said:

“I would like to congratulate Plas Farm on gaining success at one of the UK’s most prestigious business awards.  Their innovation and success has helped to ensure that Welsh food and drink is at the forefront of the UK and international stage.

“Attendance at UK and overseas events continues to be  important if we are to realise our ambition for 30% growth in  the Welsh Food and Drink  outlined in our ‘Delivering Growth: An Action Plan for the Food and Drinks Industry 2014-2020”.  

As a result of Welsh Government support, Plas Farm Ltd has attended a number of  large food trade events under the Food and Drink Wales stand at UK and overseas, such as SIAL, Paris and Anuga, Cologne.
 
Exhibiting at these large trade events has helped Plas Farm Ltd increase their export sales from around 5% of turnover to about 40%.

To overcome the high transportation costs of food products to develop it’s Middle Eastern and Asian markets, Plas Farm Ltd have developed a powdered product, which has quickly achieved significant success in Pakistan, now its fourth largest market.

The company has future plans for new products such as high protein frozen yogurts and dairy-free dessert options, and hopes that these developments, combined with increased sales, will lead to more staff joining the current 20 full-time employees.

David Williams, Founder and Director of Plas Farm Ltd said:

“We’d like to thank everyone, from the team here in Anglesey, to our customers all over the world, for their hard work and support in building the business. We’re already looking forward to how we can innovate, grow and help our customers lead the European frozen yogurt market for years to come.

“Getting started in export markets is a real challenge, but through the dedication of the Plas Farm team, and the loyalty of our customers, it has proven to be an exceptionally rewarding journey. We’re not finished yet, though! Winning the Queen’s Award is just the beginning, and we have ambitions to continue our growth both locally and worldwide."

Links

Delivering Growth: An Action Plan for the Food and Drinks Industry 2014-2020