Innovation and Excellence at the Royal Welsh Show

The Royal Welsh Show provided a valuable platform for Coleg Glynllifon and the Food Technology Centre to showcase their ongoing support for Wales' food and agriculture sectors.

During the event, the Food Technology Centre hosted its HELIX Programme Breakfast Briefing, bringing together key industry representatives, stakeholders, and food producers. Meanwhile, Coleg Glynllifon celebrated success in the livestock competitions and highlighted the practical training opportunities available to its students.

A notable highlight was Lora Pritchard winning the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show Student of the Year award after completing her Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture at the Glynllifon campus. Lora is now moving on to study Media & Journalism at Bangor University, where she plans to combine her strong farming background with a career in broadcasting.

Supporting Wales' Food and Drink Industry

The Food Technology Centre hosted its HELIX Programme Breakfast Briefing to share the impact of the Welsh Government's HELIX Programme and discuss the future of Wales' food and drink manufacturing sector.

The event brought together businesses, partners and stakeholders from across Wales and included an address from Llŷr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, on the role of the HELIX Programme in supporting Welsh food manufacturers.

Data from the 2025–26 HELIX report highlighted the programme's contribution to the sector, including:

• £103.7 million generated in economic impact

• Support provided to 159 food and drink businesses

• More than 300 new products developed

The briefing also provided an opportunity for businesses to learn more about the technical support available through the programme and to share experiences of product development and business growth.

Dairy Sheep Wales Cluster Launch

The Royal Welsh Show also saw the launch of the Dairy Sheep Wales Cluster, bringing together farmers, retailers and industry stakeholders to support the development of the Welsh sheep milk sector.

The cluster aims to encourage collaboration across the supply chain while supporting research, knowledge exchange and commercial opportunities for sheep dairying in Wales.

Welcoming the launch, Llŷr Gruffydd MS, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, said:

"The launch of the Food & Drink Wales Dairy Sheep Wales Cluster represents an important step in the development of a new opportunity for Welsh agriculture and food production.

Research commissioned by the Welsh Government has highlighted the considerable potential for sheep dairying in Wales. Combined with growing market demand and investment in strategic infrastructure such as the Sheep Milk Dairy at Glynllifon, there is a strong foundation upon which to grow the sector.

The cluster will play an important role in bringing together expertise from across the supply chain and supporting the development of a resilient, innovative and commercially sustainable industry."

Supporting Businesses

Food Technology Centre client, Anglesey Ice Cream, achieved success in this year's Royal Welsh Show food competitions, receiving four Gold awards, two Silver awards, one Bronze award and the Reserve Champion title for its chocolate ice cream.

The Food Technology Centre has worked with the business by providing technical expertise and training and product development support to help develop products ready for market.

The awards recognise the quality of the company's products and reflect its continued success at the Royal Welsh Show.

Success in the Show Ring

Coleg Glynllifon enjoyed another successful Royal Welsh Show, with students and staff representing the college across a number of livestock classes.

Farm Manager Rhodri Manod Owen played an active role throughout the event. Speaking about his time at the show, he said:

“I enjoyed being on a panel in the International Pavilion at the Royal Welsh Show sharing information with a large audience about the Sheep Milking development being built at Glynllifon. It was great to meet processors and farmers in this exciting industry and to speak with international delegates from Japan.

The Show is an important part of the agricultural industry's annual calendar in Wales, and it has been my pleasure for many years to volunteer in the Sheep sector where I steward the Hill Breeds such as the Kerry Hill, Welsh Hill Speckled Face, and North Country Cheviots. It is an opportunity to meet up with peers and friends while keeping up to date with the industry's latest developments.”

Coleg Glynllifon's livestock performed exceptionally across the showground, giving students valuable hands-on experience in preparing and presenting animals at Wales' premier agricultural event.

The college took home an impressive collection of awards, including Reserve Champion, Best of Breed, three 1st places, one 2nd place, and two 3rd places.

A major highlight came from the Animal Care team, whose rare Oxford Sandy and Black pigs earned top honours. The herd won Champion for Best Traditional Male, Reserve for Best Traditional Female, and Reserve Champion for Best Any Other Traditional Pig, also qualifying them for September's OSB Champion of Champions.

Raised as part of the land-based curriculum to support rare breed conservation, student learning, and high-quality meat production, the pigs' standout success was celebrated by Kate Jones:

"It was fantastic to play a small part in our national show, where the depth and breadth of livestock on display was truly exemplary. Our success is a testament to the dedication of our staff and learners in breeding, rearing, and presenting the herd to an international audience. The atmosphere and emotion are memories I will hold dear, and we will definitely be returning to the pig ring in 2027."

Continuing to Support Welsh Food and Agriculture

The Royal Welsh Show highlighted the work taking place across Coleg Glynllifon and the Food Technology Centre to support food and drink producers and the wider agricultural sector.

From supporting food and drink businesses through the HELIX Programme to providing practical education and training for students, Coleg Glynllifon and the Food Technology Centre continue to work in collaboration with industry to strengthen Wales' food and farming sectors.