Lifetime achievement award for Castell Howell founder Brian Jones

Brian Jones MBE, founder of Llanelli-based wholesaler Castell Howell, has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the inaugural Wales Food and Drink Awards.

The new awards celebrate businesses that have shown their commitment to innovation, sustainability and great tasting food and drink products.

Originally starting out as a farmer, Jones launched Castell Howell Foods in the ’80s when he branched out into selling frozen food direct to Welsh pubs. Today the Caterforce member has an annual turnover of £140 million and its customers include hotels, restaurants, retail shops, hospitals, schools, private and public caterers. In addition to its Llanelli base, Castell Howell now has five satellite depots in Cross Hands, Merthyr Tydfil, Avonmouth, Chirk and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Jones is passionate about sourcing and promoting Welsh produce. In 2003, in partnership with the Wynnstay group and the Welsh Meat Company, he launched the Celtic Pride Premium Beef Scheme, recognising consumer demand for consistently high-quality Welsh beef.

In 2008 he was included in the New Year’s Honours List and awarded an MBE for his services to the food industry.

Jones commented: “It is an honour to have been recognised at the Wales Food and Drink awards. I am grateful for all the support I have received from my wife Helen, daughter Kathryn and son Martyn, who both work in the business.

“I am hugely privileged to have so many superb people working at Castell Howell, many of whom have been with us for more than 20 years. It is because of their commitment and hard work that we were able to go through difficult times and create an environment where we could invest with confidence and grow the business.”