ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has come together alongside six other trade associations at the Royal Welsh Show, to highlight the vital role that the food and drink sector plays across Wales.

Launched today (24th July) Food 7 Cymru is a new network which has been formed to represent the interests of the food and drink sector to the Welsh Government and promote and sustainably develop employment, investment and growth in the food and drink sector. 

The network consists of the Association of Convenience Stores, Welsh Retail Consortium, National Farmers Union Cymru, Farmer’s Union of Wales, Logistics UK, Food and Drink Federation Cymru and UKHospitality Cymru.

First Minister Mark Drakeford MS acknowledged the importance of the new network and its mission to promote the food industry from farm-to-fork.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience stores operate at the heart of communities across Wales helping customers to feed their families and providing local, secure and flexible employment to thousands of people.

“We are delighted to be a part of this valuable network which champions the important role that the food and drink sector plays to the economy and communities across Wales.”

Findings from ACS’ 2023 Welsh Local Shop Report shows the enormous contribution that the convenience sector makes to the Welsh economy with around 3,000 local shops operating across Wales, providing over 23,000 jobs to local communities.

The full Welsh Local Shop Report is available on our Member Portal here.