Welsh food and drink producers’ skills and dedication will be celebrated during Small Business Saturday, when shoppers will be encouraged to seek out and support local enterprises in the run-up to Christmas.
Cywain is a Welsh Government-funded programme that delivers a range of support and advice for new and growing food and drink businesses in Wales. It takes a tailored approach to its business support, providing new and growing food and drink businesses with the tools they need to succeed.
One enterprise new to the marketplace is Smashed Cow Sauces, which began its food-producer journey with Cywain earlier this year.
The Gwynedd business produces a range of sauces, dry spices, and seasoning mixes – ideal gifts for those who enjoy creating in the kitchen.
Owner John Ritchie – a chef – has created Smashed Cow Sauces as a family enterprise and, with Cywain’s guidance, launched the Llanrug-based business just a couple of months ago.
Smashed Cow’s first products – Alright Treacle BBQ Sauce, Mango & Red Pepper Sweet Chilli Sauce, and Kung Pow! Chilli Garlic Sauce – made their debut at the Mid Wales Autumn Fayre and proved a hit with visitors.
John said:
“Our first three sauces have been going well, and we’re looking for local stockists for our range and selling them at markets and festivals. This year has been one of development, and we’re looking forward to really getting out there in 2025.”
Cywain has provided John with a variety of support and continues to help him grow Smashed Cow’s range and customer reach.
John says:
“Cywain has been a big help from the start. They helped me with the initial paperwork and business plans and told me who I needed to speak to for expert guidance. They set me up with 1-2-1 accountancy advice, linked me up with learning opportunities such as how to promote my business on social media, and they have taken me to events such as the Mid Wales Autumn Fayre.
“I have had lots of advice, especially from my Cywain regional growth manager Louise McNutt. Indeed, if it weren’t for Cywain’s support, I probably wouldn’t have started trading yet; I’d probably have still been struggling on my own.”
That help to get off the ground has been particularly important, as John’s main reason for establishing Smashed Cow Sauces is to create a future employment opportunity for his young daughter, Isla, who is autistic.
John says:
“I want to have a business where I can bring Isla along and, over time, teach her. So, I want to build a something that fits around her, that she’s comfortable with and meets her different goals. Therefore, having business support from Cywain to help me achieve these aims is invaluable.”
Louise McNutt, Cywain regional growth manager, said:
“We’re delighted to be able to help John realise his plans and bring Smashed Cow Sauces to the marketplace. Starting out as a new food and drink business can be daunting, but if someone has got the idea, Cywain has the know-how and connections to develop and grow their ideas.
“We can give businesses access to tools, mentors and resources to help businesses scale up whilst maintaining and strengthening Wales’ reputation for producing high-quality food. We’d urge them to get in touch to see how we can help bring their ideas to life!”
To find out more about how Cywain can support new food and drink businesses and help them grow, contact: cywain@mentera.cymru
