Entrepreneurial excellence was in the spotlight during a major celebration of the nation’s thriving food and drink sector at the Wales Food and Drink Awards 2025, held in Llandudno recently.
Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’, 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.
Commenting on winning the award 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.
The event brought together hundreds of producers, innovators, and industry leaders who are driving further growth within the Welsh economy.
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.
