Taste of Powys

The Taste of Powys project can provide tailored support, capacity building, advice and marketing for new and existing micro food businesses (where less than 10 people are employed) in Powys, including social economy enterprises. The project will equip micro food businesses in Powys with the skills and knowledge to enter, survive and thrive in a highly competitive sector.

Elements to deliver this project will include:

• A bilingual Powys food directory website and associated marketing or promotional initiatives (e.g. launch event, point of sale information, mini-section printed directories, posters, postcards) to expand the market opportunities for micro food businesses;

• Market intelligence and research into business opportunities, with an emphasis on sustainable production;

• Marketing, awareness raising and consumer education of local food issues, sustainable consumption and products available from Powys producers;

• Support for collaborative marketing and initiatives to develop shared distribution mechanisms to improve the supply chain;

• Support for farmers’ markets and food festivals to develop and sustain as essential outlets for new and small food ventures, and contribute to a distinctive local food culture for Powys;

• Facilitation of business networks and information sharing through informal and formal events, plus use of ICT systems;

• Knowledge transfer, capacity building, technical support and sharing of best practice.

Support will be targeted to promote entrepreneurship, stimulate the set-up or growth of micro-enterprises and broaden the economic base to add value to the traditional rural backbone sectors of agriculture, forestry and tourism. Businesses supported by the project will be encouraged to look to best practice to improve the social, economic and environmental impact of their enterprise to benefit the wider economy and sustainability of the county.

The project’s vision is a vibrant and sustainable food economy for Powys with businesses able to: identify market demand; produce sustainable, value-added products; market their produce to local and wider communities of consumers; grow their businesses; and supply quality food and drink products across the county and beyond.