The Royal Welsh Show not only showcases the best livestock but also the best food produce Wales has to offer.

Powys’ businesses are thriving in the food industry and putting Mid Wales on the foodie map.

Among the many stalls at the Food Hall were Monty’s Brewery, Hilltop Honey, Morgan’s Brew, and Langfords’ Welsh Sausage Company. 

It’s been almost ten years since husband and wife duo, Russ and Pam Honeyman, founded their Montgomery-based micro brewery, Monty’s Brewery, and this year it was their first time showcasing in the Food Hall.

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“It’s been excellent. We’ve been well-chuffed with how it’s going,” said Russ.

“As host county this year, it’s fantastic for us to show what we have on offer.”

Pam said: “We’re also part of Destination Montgomery, helping put Montgomery on the map so we’re telling people to come and visit the town and everything local in Mid Wales. We’re talking to people from North and South to get them to stop by Mid Wales when they’re driving through.”

John Langford of The Welsh Sausage Company in Welshpool said being at the Royal Welsh Show has been “phenomenal”.

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John Langford (left) with staff from Langfords Sausages in the Food Hall. Picture: Mike Sheridan (MS180)

“We’ve had some of our biggest customers from showing at the Royal Welsh Show.

“This year it’s all about gluten-free and we’re going big on superfoods and healthy living. It’s all British meat, made in Wales.

“It’s been a really busy year and we’ve picked up a lot of contracts. We’re supplying every hospital in England from September with our contract with the NHS Trust.”

Hilltop Honey’s sweet success is growing with another supermarket giant contract under their belt. Morrisons will stock the Newtown-based honey producer’s products nationally from November. 

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Scott Davies and Tom Bucknall of Hilltop Honey, Newtown. (MS180)

This year is managing director Scott Davies’ fifth time showcasing at the prestigious show, with Manuka and fairtrade honey from South America making their debut.

“We’re getting more product launches and new honey innovations with unique flavours coming out soon,” said Scott.

“The Royal Welsh Show gives us a mark as a Welsh brand. A quarter of a million people come here through the door and we’re making sure people are aware that we’re a Welsh company and we’re going to stay in Wales and Mid Wales.”

“Being a Welsh brand definitely helps, we beat that drum quite well, and the fact that we’re based in Mid Wales and a rural business before anything else. I think it helps people build a picture around the honey company being in rural Wales.”

Since expanding into their business unit in Newtown 12 months ago, Hilltop Honey has doubled the workforce to 19 members of staff.

Since establishing their business seven years ago with one blend of tea, Geoff and Anne Meredith of Morgan’s Brew in Welshpool now sell 52 blends locally and nationally.

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Geoff and Ann Meredith from Welshpool based Morgan’s Brew. (MS180)

“Business is going very well. The tea-infused gin is selling so well, we can’t keep up with the demand!” said Geoff.

“This is our fifth year at the Royal Welsh Show and every time we come we get more customers including local businesses.”