Latest news with #WalesFoodandDrinkAwards
Business News Wales
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Double Awards Win at Top Food and Drink Ceremony Highlights Years of Commitment
Rhug Estate won the Sustainable Values prize at the fifth Wales Food and Drink Awards. The 12,500-acre organic farm estate, near Corwen in Denbighshire, has been a driver of progressive environmental practices for decades, and for that to be recognised with such accolades is 'a huge honour' said owner Lord Newborough, who was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the ceremony, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Discussing this success and Rhug's long-standing reputation with journalist and presenter Sian Lloyd – co-founder of the awards – he thanked the many people who have supported the business and its vision to produce globally-renowned meats and produce, in addition to the award-winning Rhug Wild Beauty range. 'We were thrilled to win these awards, which reflect the many years of commitment we have towards sustainable farming and providing customers with first class products and customer service,' said Lord Newborough. 'Being recognised is always encouraging, but what's most important to us is the strong culture and values our team has. We work hard to be a leading example of best practices in our industry and to be at the forefront of sustainability. 'This recognition motivates our team even more and shows we're making a positive impact not just in North Wales, but around the world.' He added: 'One of the biggest moves we will make in the months ahead is a further push towards digital and diversification, as we increase our range of suppliers and stockists nationwide, notably in London. 'There will be particular focus on the meat products and Rhug Wild Beauty collection where we have seen so much growth.' Sian lauded the Estate for its innovative reputation and Lord Newborough for the 'passion and drive' which helped secure the awards, which showcase the 'very best of Wales' and champion companies of all sizes in the food and drink arena. 'What really struck the judges was the relentless pursuit of new opportunities and delivering on that,' she added. 'That is inspiring to other entrepreneurs, it is such a wonderful story people can follow and support on so many levels as the business has been a pioneer for others in the sector.' Lord Newborough – a former winner at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards – responded: 'If you are doing something you believe in then it's easy. Organic farming comes from the heart; you can't approach it any other way. 'The best thing we ever did is embrace our identity and stay true to it, a move which has seen Rhug become a global brand. 'You have to believe in what you do and be brave, which we have for many years, and plan to for many more.' Rhug Estate holds a prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty The King – one of just seven businesses in Wales to do so.
Leader Live
14-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Young achievers from Coleg Cambria celebrated at awards
The North East Wales college saw five of its students reach the finals of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Nicola Culkin, a quality manager at Knolton Farmhouse Cheese in Wrexham, took home the Apprentice of the Year title. Naomi Spaven, lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham, was highly commended in the Rising Star category. Other finalists included Iâl Bakery apprentice Ella Muddiman, Tilly Squire from Village Bakery, and Belinda Rossouw from Maelor Foods, all of whom were nominated in the same category. Kate Muddiman, work-based learning manager at Coleg Cambria, said: "They have all done amazingly well, we are incredibly proud of them. "It was an amazing occasion and to have five learners representing the college and some of the finest companies in the region was a real honour." The ceremony celebrated some of the most innovative food and drink producers in Wales, with categories designed to showcase the diversity and talent within the sector. Rhys Iley, chair of judges, said: "It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. "Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals." The Wales Food and Drink Awards were co-founded by Liz Brookes, director of Grapevine Event Management, and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. In a related event, Ms Muddiman recently served as a judge at the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge, where pupils from across North Wales were tasked with designing food products that were healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. Denbigh High School won with their product 'Muffin' Around' – a selection of red pepper and spinach muffins. READ MORE: Meet the couple behind Wrexham's vibrant community farm Things are definitely looking so bright as talented Airbus squad takes shape Ms Muddiman said: "It was a true privilege to judge the competition again this year. "The growth in North Wales has been phenomenal, and witnessing the incredible confidence and teamwork from these young people was genuinely inspiring. "The standard was exceptionally high, and I wholeheartedly encourage these talented individuals to consider the dynamic world of food and drink. "An apprenticeship in the industry offers a fabulous opportunity to hone these skills and build a rewarding career." The Wales Food and Drink Awards will return in 2026. Further information can be found at
Business News Wales
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Coleg Cambria Learners Recognised at Wales Food and Drink Awards
Nicola with presenter Sian Lloyd and sponsor Arwyn Watkins OBE (Cambrian Training). Credit: Wales Food and Drink Awards. Coleg Cambria rose to the occasion at a prestigious national awards ceremony. Learners from the college – which has sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi – excelled in reaching the finals of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards. Nicola Culkin, a Quality Manager at Knolton Farmhouse Cheese in Wrexham, won the Apprentice of the Year title. Naomi Spaven – lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria's Iâl Bakery in Wrexham – was highly commended for Rising Star. Also representing Cambria were Iâl Bakery apprentice Ella Muddiman, a baker and pastry chef, Tilly Squire from Village Bakery and Maelor Foods' Belinda Rossouw, all nominated in the Rising Star category. Work-based Learning Manager Kate Muddiman congratulated the quintet for the hard work and dedication they have shown in being included among the sector's best. 'They have all done amazingly well, we are incredibly proud of them,' she added. 'It was an amazing occasion and to have five learners representing the college and some of the finest companies in the region was a real honour.' The ceremony, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, celebrated some of the most innovative and creative food and drink producers in Wales. Businesses had been shortlisted in a range of specialist categories to reflect the diverse nature of the industry in the Welsh economy – one that has gained a global reputation for excellence. Chair of Judges Rhys Iley said: 'It was amazing to hear from so many incredible entrants and businesses – each with their own passion, purpose and challenges. Congratulations to everyone who entered, especially those who made it to the finals.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards were created by founders Liz Brookes, Director of Grapevine Event Management, and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. Meanwhile, Kate was recently a judge at the Tasty Careers Schools Challenge, where pupils from across North Wales were challenged to design food products and dishes that were healthy, sustainable, and commercially viable. Denbigh High School won with their product 'Muffin' Around' – a selection of red pepper and spinach muffins, impressing the judges with concept, taste and sustainability. 'It was a true privilege to judge the competition again this year,' said Kate. 'The growth in North Wales has been phenomenal, and witnessing the incredible confidence and teamwork from these young people was genuinely inspiring. 'The standard was exceptionally high, and I wholeheartedly encourage these talented individuals to consider the dynamic world of food and drink. An apprenticeship in the industry offers a fabulous opportunity to hone these skills and build a rewarding career.'
Business News Wales
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Sustainable Agriculture Champion Takes Top Award for Outstanding Contribution
A sustainable agriculture champion has scooped a top award at a major celebration of Wales' food and drink sector. Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, was named 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2025, held in Llandudno, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry. Sponsored by Food & Drink Wales, the award celebrated individuals who are leading the way in Wales' food and drink sector, and those who have demonstrated the ambition to turn bold ideas into successful businesses, and who continue to drive innovation, growth, and resilience across the industry. Lord Newborough is the driving force behind the Rhug Estate, a 12,500-acre property in North Wales. He is a prominent figure in the world of organic farming and sustainable agriculture, known for his pioneering work and dedication to quality. Rhug Estate has become internationally recognised for its organic produce, with Lord Newborough's leadership playing a key role in its success. Lord Newborough said: 'It's a tremendous honour to receive this award, especially among such inspiring peers in Wales' vibrant food and drink sector. Building a business in this industry demands vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to quality, and I'm proud of what we've achieved at Rhug Estate. 'This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and our shared belief in sustainable, organic farming. We remain ambitious about the future and excited to keep driving innovation and excellence in Welsh food and drink.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards, now in its fourth year, sees hundreds of Welsh producers and suppliers from across the sector join together to celebrate the achievements of businesses and individuals that are innovating, scaling up, and creating employment in the industry and who will be an inspiration to others. Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Welsh Government Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: 'The Entrepreneur of the Year award is a powerful reflection of the innovation, ambition, and resilience that define Wales' food and drink sector. It celebrates those who are not only building successful businesses, but also helping to shape a dynamic industry that is central to our economy, our communities, and our national identity. 'I warmly congratulate Lord Newborough of Rhug Estate on this well-earned recognition. His leadership and commitment to sustainable excellence are an inspiration to others across the sector.' The Welsh Government, through Food & Drink Wales offers a comprehensive support ecosystem for food and drink businesses, helping them grow sustainably and competitively. From financial aid and skills training to export assistance and innovation programmes, entrepreneurs benefit from a wide range of resources. Initiatives like the Scale-Up and Investor Ready programmes help businesses overcome barriers to growth, whether navigating post-Brexit challenges, rising energy costs, or supply chain disruptions. Since 2018, the Investor Ready programme has supported over 240 businesses, raising more than £22 million in investment and achieving a 97% average survival rate among participants. Access to market intelligence has also proven invaluable for businesses looking to expand and enter new markets. In addition, technical and commercial support through Project HELIX has played a vital role in helping companies innovate and expand. This is complemented by a robust cluster network that brings together producers, suppliers, academia, and government to foster collaboration and accelerate growth. With advanced infrastructure, high-quality raw materials, and strong government backing, Wales has become an increasingly attractive destination for investment in the food and drink industry. For more information about Food & Drink Wales and the support available, visit
Business News Wales
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Village Bakery MD Honoured for Industry Contribution at Wales Food and Drink Awards
A top baker has been honoured for his 'outstanding contribution' to the Welsh food and drink industry. The accolade was bestowed on Robin Jones, who has led the Wrexham-based Jones Village Bakery through a period of growth, at the Wales Food and Drink Awards. The ceremony to recognise the best of the best in the sector was held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno and was hosted by former BBC journalist and TV presenter Sian Lloyd, who also hails from Wrexham. It was the latest in a long line of awards Robin has received, having previously been named Baker of the Year at the bakery industry Oscars and winning the Enterprise category at the Welsh Government's annual St David's Awards. Last month the Village Bakery was given a King's Award for Enterprise after achieving record overseas sales over the past three years. Robin said that receiving the Outstanding Contribution award was special because he was among his peers in the Welsh food and drink industry. He is a third generation master baker at the Village Bakery which was bought by his father, Alan Jones, and his grandfather, Harry Jones, in 1964. As a teenager, he helped out at the bakery every weekend and in the school holidays and after qualifying as a baker he joined the firm full time, later becoming managing director. He and his brother Christien, an engineer by trade, formed a team at the top of the company as it expanded rapidly over the past two decades. Robin said: 'The outstanding contribution award came as a big shock. We went there to celebrate the success of one of our apprentices, Tilly Squire, who was one of the finalists, which was fantastic. 'I was quite humbled because the success of the Village Bakery isn't down to me per se. It was an award for Christien, for Dad, all the staff and everyone who's worked at the Village Bakery and has put a lot of effort in. 'We've worked very hard with some amazing people and we've seen the bakery grow but without Christien we wouldn't have built such a successful business. 'We've got complementary skills. He's the engineer and I'm the baker – I think that's the ethos of a small business when it comes to growth. We make a good team. 'My Dad always said to me that you don't create a legacy by standing still and I think we have created a heck of a legacy thanks to everybody involved, past and present. It's been one hell of a journey.' Among the major highlights for Robin was the opening of their ground-breaking gluten free bakery in 2008 and the opening of a new, state-of-the-art bakery in 2015 by the then Prince of Wales, and the then Duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla. But tough times lay ahead when their flagship bakery was destroyed by a devastating fire but, most importantly, all the staff evacuated the building without anybody being hurt.. Robin added: 'The fire on the 19th of August in 2019 was a terrible shock but I think it showed what was in the DNA of the people at Village Bakery. 'We turned it around. We've gone from strength to strength and have never looked back. Our darkest day became our finest hour. 'I'm very proud of what we've achieved. The Village Bakery is now recognised as one of the best bakeries in the UK. 'I recently attended a bakery exhibition in Germany and we had a lot of positive feedback from people across Europe which was great. 'We have built our business on innovation and sheer quality and we have more exciting plans in the pipeline so the company keeps evolving and growing – it's great to be part of that. 'The secret of our success is that we never stand still – it's one of things I insist on and that will be in our DNA forever.' Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales Food and Drink Awards, said: 'Robin Jones has not only helped drive incredible growth in the family firm over the past 30 years, he has also inspired others through his passion to upskill local young people and his contribution to the wider Welsh food and drink sector. 'Jones' Village Bakery is now one of the biggest employers in the Welsh food and drink industry and its successful export story is flying the flag for Wales.'
