Latest news with #RhugEstate
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
King Charles accused of 'slap in the face' by Princess Diana's personal aide
King Charles, monarch of the United Kingdom for nearly three years, welcomed French president Emmanuel Macron for a state visit this week, during which they had a banquet King Charles was accused of giving "a huge slap in the face" to the Buckingham Palace royal chefs - by enlisting French icon Raymond Blanc to help prepare this week's state banquet. The monarch is said to have wanted to honour French president Emmanuel Macron by inviting Mr Blanc to assist the palace's own team in preparing food for the function. The first element of Mr Macron's state visit included the lavish meal at Windsor Castle's impressive St George's Hall, which Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and showbiz stars also attended. But Darren McGrady, personal chef to the late Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry, said Charles' call to use Mr Blanc's support for the bash was unwise. He said: "I get that Raymond Blanc is one of the best chefs in the world, and I get that he is a King's Foundation ambassador, and I get that 'the collaboration is in the spirit of Entente Cordiale (a cordial agreement)' but it's a huge slap in the face to the palace royal chefs." When Buckingham Palace announced Mr Blanc's involvement in the state banquet, a spokesman said he was invited to help "create the first course and dessert". He has a long friendship with the monarch and has been guest speaker at several royal events over the years, including horticulrural festivals at Highgrove. But it is understood while Mr Blanc, who runs Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, was asked to help with the main course, the celebrity cook left that part of the meal to Mark Flanagan, the Royal Household's head chef. Yet, speaking to Mail Online, furious Mr McGrady, 63, added: "For sure, Macron will not be bringing in British chefs for a King Charles state visit to France." Mr McGrady, who worked as the personal chef to Princess Diana and her children until her death in 1997, hit back at the praise Charles has received for the move. Some fans said it was a mark of respect to Mr Macron that King Charles called on Mr Blanc, born near Besançon, east France, to help with the culinary spectacular. It is believed dishes served on Tuesday had French inspiration or French twists. Dad-of-two Mr Blanc, who has restaurants in central London, Portsmouth, Bath, Leeds and other British places, said he wanted to include the Royal Household's head chef as mark of respect to the monarch. He told Mail Online: "He's a royal chef who's cooked for the King for many years, plus he's a great friend – it's all part of respect. "I could have done everything if I'd insisted, but Mark did a beautiful course – Rhug Estate chicken with British produce, with a beautiful tarragon sauce, a French way. It was a splendid occasion." Of McGrady's gripes, Mr Blanc added: "We all have an opinion – and I've got a different one. I like to bring people together." Despite the criticism from Mr McGrady, King Charles also received a great deal of praise for inviting his friend Mr Blanc to help with the glitzy function at Windsor Castle.
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.
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
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Organic Farm Estate Forges New Partnership with Iconic Department Store
A prominent organic estate will further strengthen its ties with one of the UK's most iconic high-end department stores. The 12,500-acre Rhug Estate, based near Corwen in North Wales, already supplies its award-winning Wild Beauty range to Fortnum and Mason in London's Piccadilly. With a history dating back to 1707, the independent retailer – famed for its quality food products, exotic items and luxury hampers – is one of the premium venues in the country. And now, following exploratory discussions and a visit by Fresh Food Buyer Antonio Zoccola to the Denbighshire site – one of only seven businesses in Wales to hold a prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen – Fortnum and Mason will be stocking and distributing Rhug's internationally-acclaimed organic salt marsh lamb. After a tour of the Estate which included the café, farm shop and cutting plant, Antonio said: 'It has been fantastic to take a closer look at the operation here, and to learn more about the environmental, organic and regenerative practices Rhug Estate is so well known for. 'We were particularly excited to extend the partnership as Fortnum and Mason is also a business focused on sustainable practices, animal welfare, quality and innovation – there is a real synergy.' He added: 'We will be looking to stock the lamb at Picadilly initially, I'm sure it will be a big hit with our customers.' Rhug Estate owner Lord Newborough looks forward to working even closer with Fortnum and Mason and supplying them with high-quality meat products already distributed to hotels, restaurants and retailers across the UK, the Middle East and Far East. Salt marsh lamb is produced on the Estate's coastal farm Tŷ Mawr, near Caernarfon, by Deio Hughes and family. Given the unique environment, the lamb has a distinctive flavour sought after by top chefs throughout the world. 'The sweet, delicate taste the salt marsh grasses produce, combined with the organic farming system Deio uses, produce a mouthwatering texture to our lamb,' he said. 'The meat is in season and incredibly popular, so we are delighted to now be supplying it to Fortnum and Mason and look forward to forging even closer links with them in the years ahead.'
