Ingredients specialist Beacon Foods retains Powys business growth award

Beacon Foods founders Edward Gough (centre) and Rae Jones receive the Growth Award from Phil Pugh of W. R. Partners, sponsor.

Beacon Foods, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ingredients to a diverse range of markets, from food manufactures to food services providers, has retained a business award in its home county after forecasting 20% turnover growth during 2025.

The Brecon-based company, last year’s Powys Business of the Year, collected the Growth Award, sponsored by W. R. Partners, for the second consecutive year at the Powys Business Awards ceremony held at The Hafren, Newtown last Friday.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, the awards showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises within Powys.

After increasing sales during 2024 by 19% to £21.6m, Beacon Foods’ turnover is forecasted to grow by 20% to £26m in 2025.

Chairman Edward Gough said: “We see this trend continuing as we support our customers through helpful staff, innovative product development, investment in new equipment and facilities and great customer service.”

Founded by Edward and his mother, Rae Jones, in 1993 as a small start-up with less than a handful of employees, the family business now has a workforce of 185.

Responding to the award, Edward said: “When you see the standard of the other companies in this category, it’s very humbling to be the winner. This award recognises the hard work and commitment by all of our team, the high level of innovation, product development and customer service and the investment that we continue to make in our facilities, staff, equipment and logistics.”

Rae, who has retired from the business, thanked the Welsh Government and Powys County Council for their support over the past 32 years. “We never thought that we would get this far when we started out, but Edward and the senior leadership and management team have carried on developing the business,” she said.

Beacon Foods operates 24 hours a day, supplying around 240 customers in the UK and Europe with added value fruit and vegetable ingredients.

Having continually invested in facilities, equipment and people, the company supports staff training and education programmes, preferring to grow its own managers and promote from within, wherever possible.

There are many examples of staff growing into new and challenging roles, having attended university-based management and leadership courses.

Focused on reducing and reusing food waste and increasing recycling, the company is working with Zero 2 Five at Cardiff Metropolitan University on new initiatives.

A solar photovoltaic system produces up to 500,000 kilowatts of electricity, which helps to run production facilities.

“Our future plans to keep delighting our customers and growing our customer base include a new range of cold blend sauces, vegan mayonnaise and pickles, along with continued investment in portion controlled packaging solutions,” said Edward.

Jeff Davies, Beacon Foods’ financial director, added: “As ever, customer service is key and we strive to exceed expectations wherever possible. We continue to invest, mentor and support our colleagues - it’s down to them that we are able to do what we do so well.”

The award judges praised Beacon Food for achieving “remarkable growth” in both turnover and profitability and its commitment to employee development.

“Their commercial success stems from a strong commitment to consistently over-deliver, which has fostered deep customer loyalty and created opportunities for expanding their product offerings within their existing customer base,” they said.

“The company’s success is underpinned by a dynamic and effective leadership team that drives operational efficiency and positions the business for sustainable growth. With a focus on strategic investment and minimal reliance on external debt, the company is well-positioned for the future.”