May 28, 2025 — Penderyn Distillery, the iconic home of Welsh Whisky, has been named Drinks Producer of the Year at the 2025 Wales Food and Drink Awards, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the Welsh drinks sector and a beacon for the nation’s thriving food and drink industry.
This coveted accolade, awarded to the leading Welsh drinks producer with over five employees, recognises Penderyn’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and global impact.
The awards ceremony, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, brought together more than 400 industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the very best of Welsh food and drink.
Penderyn Distillery emerged victorious from nearly 200 entries across 16 fiercely contested categories, underscoring its reputation as a trailblazer in the sector.
“Winning Drinks Producer of the Year is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team,” said Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery. “From our master blenders and distillers to our brand ambassadors and everyone in between, this award is recognition of the extraordinary craftsmanship and innovation that goes into every bottle of Penderyn whisky,” he says.
“We are proud to represent Wales on the world stage and to contribute to the dynamic growth of the Welsh food and drink industry.”
A Welsh Success Story with Global Reach
Penderyn Distillery’s journey is a story of vision, resilience, and world-class whisky. Since reviving the tradition of Welsh whisky distillation in 2000, Penderyn has grown from a single distillery in the Brecon Beacons to a celebrated international brand, exporting to over 50 countries and winning more than 100 major awards for quality and innovation.
Over 1 million bottles of Penderyn whisky are produced annually, with exports accounting for nearly 40% of total sales.
Penderyn’s visitor centres in the Brecon Beacons, Llandudno, and Swansea attract more than 80,000 tourists each year, boosting local economies and Welsh tourism.
The distillery employs over 70 skilled staff and supports hundreds more through its supply chain, underlining its role as a major employer in rural and urban Wales.
Industry Leadership and Innovation
The Drinks Producer of the Year award recognises not only Penderyn’s exceptional product quality but also its pioneering spirit and commitment to sustainability.
Judges praised Penderyn for its:
- Use of the finest Welsh spring water and locally sourced barley, ensuring authenticity and provenance in every bottle.
- Investment in cutting-edge distillation technology, including the unique Faraday still, which produces Penderyn’s signature light and fruity spirit.
- Ongoing innovation, with new expressions and cask finishes regularly launched to critical acclaim.
- Sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient production processes, recyclable packaging, and partnerships with local farmers for by-product reuse.
Driving the Welsh Food and Drink Economy
The Welsh food and drink sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, generating over £7.5 billion annually and supporting more than 240,000 jobs.
The Wales Food and Drink Awards, now in their fourth year, shine a spotlight on the sector’s diversity, resilience, and world-class standards.
Penderyn’s win highlights the global reputation Welsh producers have earned for excellence, originality, and sustainable growth.
Rhys Iley, Chair of Judges, commented:“The food and drink sector in Wales is going from strength to strength, with a real focus on quality products that are both scalable and sustainable. Penderyn exemplifies the innovation and ambition that is driving the industry forward.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Welsh Whisky
As Penderyn Distillery celebrates this latest accolade, the company remains firmly focused on the future.
Plans are underway to expand production capacity and develop new visitor experiences, ensuring that Penderyn continues to lead the Welsh whisky renaissance for years to come.
Stephen Davies says: “This award is not just a win for Penderyn, but for the entire Welsh whisky community. We are honoured to help put Wales on the map as a producer of world-class spirits, and we look forward to building on this success with even greater ambition.”
About Penderyn Distillery
Penderyn Distillery, established in 2000, is the leading producer of Welsh whisky and spirits. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Penderyn has become a global ambassador for Welsh craftsmanship and a key driver of the nation’s food and drink sector. Penderyn whiskies are available in over 50 countries worldwide.
