Statistics published today show the food and drink industry in Wales grew by 10% last year, with a total turnover of £24.6 billion in 2023.
Businesses in the food and drink supply chain, which contains agriculture, had a total turnover of £22.3bn in 2022.
The number of businesses increased by 1%, to 28,768 in 2023, according to the Welsh government figures.
The food and drink supply chain employed 228,500 people in 2023, equivalent to 17% of Wales’ total workforce.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Welsh food and drink is a real success story and its economic contribution to the Welsh Economy is higher than ever.
“This success creates the wealth that underpins the development of our vital agri-food industry."
First Minister Vaughan Gething added: “Our food industry is at the heart of our lives, our communities and our nation.
"We must support the sector to cultivate a more self-sufficient Wales, where we champion sustainability and foster a robust local element to the food system and supply chains."
