Swansea Food Partnership

It was formed in September 2019 as a direct response to discussions with rural food businesses in Swansea and focuses on working to create a vibrant and prosperous food offer for Swansea; to strengthen and shorten supply chains; enhance the food tourism and bridge the gap between rural and urban food.

In February 2020 the partnership delivered an event in Ocean View, Llanrhidian attended by 34 buyers and 14 producers. At the event a number of key areas were identified through consultation with rural food and tourism businesses; and more recently with the core partnership group to broaden the scope of work across Swansea. This informed development of the 'championing local food' section of the Swansea Economic Recovery Action Plan.

Priorities of the partnership

• Improved awareness towards the local food / drink offer
• Improved perceptions of (attitudes toward) local food / drink offer - locally and externally
• Stronger local networks (business 2 business and business 2 customer)
• More food and drink produced and consumed locally, which is comprised of:
  • greater use of local suppliers by the local food and drink industry
  • increased consumption of local food and drink by local communities
• Improved infrastructure to support food and drink businesses locally (focused on start-up / small businesses)

SFP activity 

• SFP formed Sept 19 
• Swansea Council: deliveries and takeaways - suppliers of food and essential items in Swansea March 2020 (Covid 19 response)
• SFP social media accounts supporting local food businesses: Instagram 
• Networking and sign posting opportunities B2B 
• Funding application development and support 
• Commercial opportunity development on capital projects 
• SFP links with Swansea Food Poverty Network and Bwyd Abertawe
• Development work on supply chain opportunities 
• New Economic Development Local Food Coordinator appointed March 2022.
• Made In Swansea event held at the Brangwyn Hall helped link local farmers and food makers directly with food local businesses in Swansea.
• Made in Rural Swansea event allowed rural food businesses to connect - held at the Rasoi in Pontlliw.
• Feasibility study completed alongside consultants Afallen (see below)

Feasibility study - mapping local produce and shortening food supply chains in Swansea

We have completed a feasibility study to map local produce and help shorten supply chains in Swansea. We have worked alongside consultants Afallen to identify current consumer trends and food supply in Swansea. The research has been collected through an extensive questionnaire and in-depth case studies with food businesses in Swansea. Recommendations have been concluded with input from expert consultants including Urban Foundry and The Open Food Network.

Feasibility study mapping local produce and shortening supply chains (PDF) [4MB]

The outputs will build a future framework for SFP and the local food coordinator. Funding has been awarded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund until March 2025 to continue this programme of work. The schedule of works will include meet the producer networking events and workshops and supporting and developing a stronger economic local food system in Swansea.

If you would like to receive further information about Swansea Food Partnership, please email: swanseafoodpartnership@swansea.gov.uk