Latest news with #WalesFoodandDrinkAwards
Business News Wales
11 hours ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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.'
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham baker honoured at Wales Food and Drink Awards
Robin Jones, managing director of the Wrexham-based Jones Village Bakery, received the Outstanding Contribution award at this year's Wales Food and Drink Awards, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. The event was hosted by Sian Lloyd, former BBC journalist and TV presenter. The award celebrated his service to the sector and his role in expanding the family business. Mr Jones 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." READ MORE: 'You've done Wrexham proud': Olly Pearson celebrated after BGT success Wrexham fans to travel nearly 6,700 miles in Championship next season A third-generation baker, Mr Jones began working at the family bakery as a teenager. The business was purchased by his father, Alan, and grandfather, Harry, in 1964. After qualifying as a baker, Mr Jones joined the company full-time, later becoming managing director. He and his brother Christien, an engineer, have led the business for more than 20 years. He said: "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." Jones Village Bakery also launched a gluten-free bakery in 2008 and opened a new facility in 2015, which was attended by the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, now King Charles and Queen Camilla. However, the company has also faced challenges, including a fire that destroyed its flagship bakery in August 2019. He said: "The fire on August 19 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." 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 thirty 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." Last month, the bakery received a King's Award for Enterprise in recognition of its record international sales in the past three years.
North Wales Live
24-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
North Wales country cafe with Royalty approved roast dinners expands to meet demand
Royalty approved roast dinners are in such demand that a cafe on a rural estate has added an extension. The meat served at Café Rhug - which comes from the Rhug Estate where it is based - has a Royal Warrant of Appointment from King Charles III. It is one of the reasons the cafe has seen demand grow. This has led to them building a conservatory with glass canopy - adding 15 covers to the already bustling venue. They say it is "already proving a hit with customers". The 12,500-acre Rhug organic estate, near Corwen in Denbighshire, has also welcomed head chef Jordan Richardson to the team and was recently nominated Sustainable Values and Entrepreneur of the Year at the Wales Food and Drink Awards. Rhug Estate owner Lord Newborough says improvements on site will continue into the summer. "The new-look outdoor terrace has been very busy since opening, with visitors keen to dine al-fresco given the recent sunny weather," he said. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "It has been particularly popular with cyclists and people travelling and in need of a quick pitstop, purchasing food from the café or takeaway." Lord Newborough added: "Following the redevelopment of our offices and HQ, the café and farm shop are looking fantastic, and we have plans to continue investing and upgrading the site over the coming months, including the retail units. There are also events in store over the summer into the autumn and winter, so watch this space for more – it's going to be another big year for Rhug Estate." Managing Director Amy Coleman added: "We are thrilled with the feedback so far and have seen an upturn in customer numbers and footfall. It's heartening to see so many people enjoying the café and the new dishes Jordan has brought to the menu, as well as the outdoor space. "We have a talented team of kitchen and front-of-house staff, complemented by our drive-thru and takeaway offering, so we are excited to see the response as we head towards the summer." The estate added: "As well as local produce supplied by businesses across the region Café Rhug uses high-quality meat from the Estate – presented with a Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen for its care of the countryside and animal welfare standards. "And Sunday roast dinners have proven incredibly popular, featuring Rhug's award-winning lamb and beef."
Business News Wales
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Winners of the 2025 Wales Food and Drink Awards Announced
The winners of the fourth annual Wales Food and Drink Awards have been announced. The awards ceremony, held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, celebrated some of the most innovative and creative food and drink producers in Wales. From established companies who have become household names to small start-ups, the business awards were set up to celebrate and showcase the best food and drink producers in Wales, whatever their size. Almost 200 entries were received and more than 400 guests attended the awards ceremony. Finalists were recognised for their new and exciting ideas, their growth and resilience. Businesses had been shortlisted in a range of specialist categories to reflect the diverse nature of the key sector in the Welsh economy – one that has gained a global reputation for excellence. The panel of expert judges was chaired by Rhys Iley. He 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, for making the judging process both challenging and exciting. Everyone brought something exceptional to the table, and should be proud of themselves.' The Wales Food and Drink Awards were supported by headline sponsor Castell Howell Foods, one of the UK's leading independent food wholesalers. Martin Jones, from Castell Howell, said: 'Castell Howell is proud to continue sponsoring the Wales Food and Drink Awards which go from strength to strength each year. Supporting an event that recognises such exceptional performance in this sector feels more important than ever. As the industry evolves, its inspiring to see such talent and determination being celebrated.' The awards were sponsored and supported by Asda, BIC Innovation, Cambrian Training, Food Innovation Wales, FDF Cymru, Food Standards Agency, Hugh James, Mentera, Mauve, NFU Mutual, Pembrokeshire Creamery, Shirgar, Food and Drink Wales, Visit Conwy, QR Squared by Polytag, Business News Wales, Stills, and Cleartech. The Wales Food and Drink Awards were created by founders Liz Brookes, Director, Grapevine Event Management and broadcaster Sian Lloyd. Liz Brookes said: 'Wales' incredible food and drink producers were rightly put centre stage in Llandudno at an awards ceremony which brings the sector together for a night of celebration while offering a key opportunity to showcase excellence. The hard work and skills within the industry in Wales shone through again this year. Llongyfarchiadau pawb.' The winners of the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2025 are: Wales Food and Drink Artisan Business of the Year Wales Food and Drink Entrepreneur of the Year Lord Robert Newborough, Rhug Estates Wales Food and Drink Business Resilience Award Cradoc's Savoury Biscuits Wales Food and Drink Local Community Award Wales Food and Drink Rising Star Award Tom Wickens, Plumstone Welshcakes Wales Food and Drink, Drinks Producer of the Year Wales Food and Drink Small Drinks Producer of the Year Llanfairpwll Distillery Ltd Wales Food and Drink Champion of the Year Wales Food and Drink Exporter of the Year South Caernarfon Creameries Wales Food and Drink Food Producer of the Year Wales Food and Drink Start-up of the Year Wales Food and Drink Innovation Award Wales Food and Drink Scale-Up Business of the Year Wales Food and Drink Sustainable Business of the Year Wales Food and Drink Apprentice of the Year Nicola Culkin, Knolton Farmhouse Cheese (Coleg Cambria) Wales Food and Drink Farm to Fork Producer Highly Commended Wales Food and Drink Rising Star Award Naomi Spaven, Iâl Bakery (Coleg Cambria) Wales Food and Drink Local Community Wales Food and Drink Food Producer Wales Food and Drink Champion of the Year Wales Food and Drink Entrepreneur Rory Pitman, A-Head of the Game Nutrition Wales Food and Drink Small Drinks Producer Wales Food and Drink Business Resilience Fresh and Tasty Microgreens Outstanding Contribution Award Robin Jones, Village Bakery Further details of the Wales Food and Drink Awards, which will return in 2026, can be found on the Wales Food & Drink Wales website.
