WELSH food and drink has been promoted to thousands of international buyers in Japan — but producers in Pembrokeshire appear to have been left out of the spotlight.

A Welsh Government-backed delegation travelled to Foodex Japan 2026 in Tokyo, one of the largest food and drink exhibitions in Asia, attracting more than 70,000 industry professionals.

The event is designed to open doors to lucrative export markets, with Welsh Lamb, craft spirits and speciality foods presented as premium products for overseas buyers.

But despite Pembrokeshire’s strong agricultural base, seafood industry and growing reputation for artisan produce, no businesses from the county were among those showcased.

Global push — local absence

The delegation included Hybu Cig Cymru and Golden Road Gin, alongside a number of established Welsh brands and Japanese importers already working with Welsh suppliers.

While PGI Welsh Lamb — much of it produced in West Wales — was a central feature, the absence of Pembrokeshire-based producers raises questions about who is actually benefiting from the push into global markets.

For many local farmers, export growth is often presented as essential to the future of the industry. Yet access to those opportunities remains uneven, with smaller producers frequently lacking the scale or support to break into international supply chains.

Big talk, familiar questions

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MS praised the showcase, saying Wales had an “exceptional food and drink story to tell” and highlighting the importance of building international partnerships.

But on the ground in Pembrokeshire, producers continue to face mounting pressures — from rising costs and labour shortages to ongoing uncertainty around agricultural policy.

The Herald understands that while export events generate headlines, many small and medium-sized businesses struggle to translate that exposure into actual contracts.

Missed opportunity for West Wales?

The Japanese market is known for its demand for high-quality, traceable food — exactly the kind of produce Pembrokeshire is well placed to supply.

From lamb and dairy to seafood landed at Milford Haven, the county has the raw ingredients to compete on the global stage.

However, without stronger support to help local businesses access export networks, there is a growing risk that the benefits of international promotion will remain concentrated among a relatively small group of producers.

The real test

Events like Foodex Japan may boost Wales’ profile overseas — but the real measure of success will be whether that translates into meaningful opportunities for communities at home.

For Pembrokeshire’s farmers and food producers, the question is no longer whether Welsh food can succeed globally.

It is whether they will be given a seat at the table.

A RECORD number of young musicians from across Pembrokeshire took part in this year’s Valero Primary Music Festival, with nearly 600 pupils showcasing their talents.

The event, organised by Pembrokeshire Music Service, was held at Ysgol Caer Elen on Saturday (March 14), drawing a large and enthusiastic audience.

The festival’s overall winner was Hafan y Môr pupil Carys Meiring, who impressed judges with a standout trombone performance of Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off. She had earlier secured victory in the open brass class.

Young talent shines

The afternoon Spotlight concert opened with an energetic performance from the county’s Second Steps ensembles, bringing together young players from across Pembrokeshire.

Winners from the day’s open classes also took to the stage, highlighting the depth of musical talent across local schools.

Osian Kite, of Roch CP School, won the open woodwind class with a performance of Sentimental Serenade on alto saxophone.

Cadi Marshall-Jones, from Ysgol Bro Preseli, claimed the open piano and harp title with Over the Sea to Skye, while Roch CP School cellist Mari Broomfield won the open strings category with Vamoose.

In percussion, Ysgol Caer Elen’s Aled Hooper secured first place in the open class with a drum kit performance of Are You Gonna Go My Way.

The open ensemble prize went to Tavernspite pupils Finn Hickman and Evelyn James, whose piano duet of Handel’s Passacaglia impressed both judges and audience.

Building confidence through music

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service, Philippa Roberts said the festival continues to play a vital role in developing young performers.

She said: “Pembrokeshire Music Service is proud to deliver the Valero Music Festival, offering an exciting opportunity to nearly 600 young performers from across the county.

“Providing children with the chance to perform, shine, and receive supportive feedback from professional musicians is incredibly powerful and helps build lasting confidence.

“In line with the Music Plan for Wales, we remain committed to creating meaningful musical experiences for children throughout Pembrokeshire. Our sincere thanks go to Valero for their fantastic support.”

The festival forms part of a wider effort to promote music education across Wales, encouraging participation and nurturing the next generation of performers.

Photo caption:

Talented performers: Overall winner Carys Meiring is pictured with fellow category winners and organisers (Pic: Pembrokeshire Music Service).

A FORMER BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 presenter has been dismissed by the broadcaster following allegations relating to his personal conduct, with police confirming that the complainant at the centre of a historic investigation was under the age of sixteen.

Scott Mills, aged 53, was previously questioned by officers from the Metropolitan Police in 2018 in connection with allegations of serious sexual offences said to date back between 1997 and 2000.

The investigation, which began in 2016 following a referral from another force, was later closed in May 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

Police have now confirmed that the individual at the centre of the allegations was under sixteen at the time.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the case involved “allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy”, adding that a man in his forties at the time was interviewed under caution before a full file was passed to prosecutors.

No charges were brought.

BBC confirms departure

The BBC confirmed on Monday that Mills is no longer working for the corporation, but declined to provide further detail on the reasons behind his departure.

A spokesperson said: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.”

It remains unclear whether the historic police investigation played any role in the decision.

BBC News understands that senior leadership at the time of the investigation, including then Director General Tony Hall, were not aware of the allegations.

Mills has been approached for comment.

Shock exit from flagship show

Mills had most recently presented the Radio 2 breakfast show, taking over from Zoe Ball in January 2025, and had worked for the BBC for more than 25 years.

His final appearance on the programme was on Tuesday (March 24), signing off with “Back tomorrow.” He did not return to air the following day.

Fellow presenter Gary Davies stepped in to cover the slot, alongside overnight DJ OJ Borg, as the broadcaster considers a longer-term replacement.

Colleague Jeremy Vine described the news as “a terrible shame” and said the development had come as a shock to staff.

Former Radio 1 presenter Nihal Arthanayake urged caution, telling ITV that while concern must remain for any alleged victim, “there is a human being – well, there’s two human beings – at the centre of this.”

High-profile career

Mills joined Radio 1 in 1998 and became one of the station’s most recognisable voices, later moving to Radio 2 in 2022. He also hosted the Official Chart Show and appeared on television programmes including Strictly Come Dancing and Comic Relief.

As one of the BBC’s highest-paid presenters, his sudden departure is likely to raise further questions for the corporation, which has faced intense scrutiny in recent years over safeguarding and conduct issues involving on-air talent.

The Herald understands that further details surrounding the circumstances of his departure have not yet been made public.