A Flintshire food manufacturer has been shortlisted for the Business Resilience award in the 2023 Welsh food and drink awards. 

Natural Wholefoods, based at Antelope Industrial Estate, Rhydywmyn, was formed in November 2018.

The company is a small family business with a total staff of five people who have a combined industry experience of over 140 years. 

READ MORE: Mountain Produce shortlisted for Welsh food and drink award

The business manufactures non-dairy spreads, yoghurts and drinks which are sold by various well-known brands across the UK. 

Natural foods is the only company in the UK producing long life desserts which need no expensive transport and storage.

The Business Resilience award recognises those companies which react quickly to the changing global and financial situations to survive and indeed thrive.

The judges were looking for; Evidence of how their business model has been adapted to achieve results, Evidence of a flexible business model already in place which enabled them to absorb external impacts to the food and drink industry, Accessed funding streams and used these in an inventive way, Strongly motivated and empowered staff, Embraced technology in an innovative way.

READ MORE: Welsh Food and Drink Awards 2023 shortlist: Wrexham and Flintshire

Ray Pierce, General Manager for Natural Wholefoods, said he was "suprised" after receiving the news the company had been shortlisted. 

Mr Pierce said: "We are very pleased as we tend to operate from a distance as we don't have our own brand.

"There are a lot of people who eat our products across the UK but may not realise it."

"We do beaver away so it is nice to have this encouragement and recognition."

READ MORE: Wrexham food business, Goch &Co, shortlisted for Artisan Business of the year award

The company, like many others in the food and drinks industry, experienced a strain throughout the pandemic period, however Mr Pierce confirmed they have "bounced back very well."

Mr Pierce commended the Welsh food and drink awards in their efforts to promote and celebrate Welsh businesses and the food and drink sector. 

The company are looking to increase their workforce with the hire of two process operators, those interested can contact Ray Pierce at ray@naturalwholefood.co.uk.