Gluten-free bakery Welsh Hills has been revealed as joint winner of the Success through Overseas Trade category in the Welsh Business Awards.

Welsh Hills shared the accolade with Cwmbran-based Spear Europe, and was the first to supply two of the UK’s major supermarket chains with its own gluten-free products. Its customer portfolio now includes Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose.

Judges felt that the Welsh Hills Bakery deserved credit for its work in establishing the Lovemore products overseas.

In the last two years, the business has achieved notable success across Europe, supplying 25 different ranges of cakes and biscuits to countries across the continent. The business now supplies its products to the USA and the Middle East, and is also initiating further export opportunities in China and Australia.

The bakery has spent £100,000 over the last two years on its factory, which is based in Hirwaun. Its export business has grown by 15% over the past 24 months, adding to the company’s turnover of £5 million last year.

A real privilege

Julian Cruttenden, key account manager for Welsh Hills Bakery, said: “It’s a real privilege to have received this award, and to have been recognised for our achievements over the past couple of years in the international market. We are always striving to grow, and we aim to double our export sales in the coming year.

“Lovemore products target a rapidly growing customer base, as more and more people choose gluten-free food items, and we are immensely proud to be representing the Welsh food industry on a global scale.”