Harlech Foodservice, a Welsh company with a base in Carmarthenshire, has secured its first council contract in South Wales.  

Valued at £700,000 ($916,090), the agreement with Rhondda Cynon Taf council will see the company supplying grocery products to local schools and care homes, the South Wales Guardian has reported.  

The deal is a key part of Harlech's broader £6m expansion plan, which is expected to create 150 new jobs as well as secure multiple similar agreements with other councils. 

Headquartered in Criccieth, Gwynedd, the company has additional bases in Merthyr Tydfil, Carmarthen and Chester.  

Harlech Foodservice's growth is further evidenced by a £1.5m deal to supply schools and care homes in Gwynedd and the recent acquisition of Celtic Foodservices in Pembroke Dock. 

Welsh products supplied by Harlech, such as Radnor Springs drinks, biscuits, cake bars and snacks, are all compliant with school regulations, maintaining low sugar levels.  

The company's success in securing the Welsh Procurement Services Framework was instrumental in winning the Rhondda Cynon Taf contract.  

Since 2021 Harlech has seen considerable growth, with turnover increasing from £32m to £50m and profits exceeding £2m.  

This financial success led to the opening of a new depot in Carmarthen in spring 2024.

Harlech sales director Mark Lawton said: “This new contract in Rhondda Cynon Taf will enable us to demonstrate the range of products we can supply and the excellent service we provide.” 

The company employs 250 staff across its four locations and operates a fleet of 50 vehicles, delivering up to 5,000 product lines to a wide range of Welsh customers, from cafés and restaurants to public sector entities.