Rhug Estate, based in Corwen, is an award-winning sustainable farm which produces and sells organic meat, green energy and most recently, lifestyle products, after the company launched its own natural beauty line last year using ingredients from its estate.
Luxury skincare range
The farm already exports to nine countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Far East, and believes the introduction of its luxury clean skincare range will further grow its exports and build its reputation as a global brand.
With a lineage dating back to the 11th century, Rhug was acquired by Lord Newborough in 1998, who made the decision to make the estate completely organic with a focus on sustainability. He began retailing Rhug’s organic meat in 2002 before exporting for the first time in 2006.
Exciting future for exporting
Exports now account for around a fifth of Rhug’s trade. With the global market for organic and natural skincare products predicted to double in the next five years, Rhug expects this figure to grow substantially over the coming years. It is now aiming for exports to make up half of its turnover by 2026.
Since introducing the new lifestyle arm of the business, Rhug has already secured several distributors and resellers in the Middle East - a key growth market for the skincare sector - with the support of Welsh Government, including Desert Fox in Qatar, Harvey Nichols in Doha and Secret Skin in Dubai, which covers all UAE countries.
It is now looking to enter new territories with its lifestyle products, including Germany, Russia and Japan, and is in the early stages of talks with distributors in these regions.
Lord Newborough, Owner of Rhug Estate said: “Sustainability and organic, natural ingredients have always been at the core of Rhug and now, with our lifestyle ranges, we can help people remain healthy, inside and out. Introducing skincare and homeware will also help us in our mission to become a truly global brand.
“Not concentrating our sales efforts solely in the UK, and having a mixed portfolio of clients in different regional markets, has enabled our business to diversify and remain resilient during a very challenging period.”
Key to Rhug’s export success has been support from the Welsh Government’s export specialists, via Business Wales, who have help the business access financial aid as well as advice on potential markets and partnerships.
Lord Newborough added: “We are very grateful to Welsh Government for the support we have received to help us grow the export side of our business, from financial aid to support attending trade shows and advice and guidance to navigate export deals. The assistance and connections provided by the Welsh Government offices in Qatar, Dubai and Japan, has been invaluable.”