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Sales at an Aberbargoed-based food wholesaler have hit record levels after the fast-growing family firm reported a near 20% rise to £30 million in just six months.

Harlech Foodservice, which operates a depot in Aberbargoed alongside sites in Chester, Cricieth, Carmarthen and Telford, says rapid expansion over the past five years has transformed it into a major UK player.

The company, crowned UK Food Wholesaler of the Year in April, has seen sales surge following the opening of new depots in South Wales and Shropshire, driving growth across several regions.

Since accepting the award at a ceremony in London, Harlech says business in South Wales and the West Midlands has increased by 68%, with 117 new customers added so far this year.

Harlech came out of the pandemic with 120 staff based at Cricieth and Chester. Over the past four years that figure has grown to almost 300 employees, alongside the opening of three new sites, including Aberbargoed.

Managing director Mark Lawton said: “I am very proud to be part of the team that has been involved in the expansion, and our latest half yearly results show a clear upwards trajectory in Harlech’s fortunes.

“We needed to expand to become a truly year-round business instead of relying solely on the highly seasonal tourism and hospitality industry.”

He said the company has diversified into the public sector, supplying education and healthcare, while continuing to support hospitality and tourism customers.

Harlech last year announced a three-year £6 million expansion plan, which has already created more than 100 new jobs. The company now operates a fleet of 90 vehicles delivering up to 5,000 product lines to customers in both the public and private sectors.

Those vehicles are fitted with refrigeration systems using a more eco-friendly coolant and have routes planned to cut mileage. The changes have helped the firm secure a Welsh Government Green Dragon award for the past seven years.

Mark Lawton added: “As a major employer, we’re proud that our staff, suppliers and customers put money straight back into the local economy where we have our depots.”

Harlech Foodservice was founded in Harlech, Gwynedd, in 1972 by Colin and Gill Foskett to supply the holiday market. Now deliver to restaurants, pubs, schools and hospitals across Wales and England.

The founders’ three children, Jonathan, Andrew and Laura, took over the reins from their parents and still sit on the board while a third generation of the family are now making their way in the firm.