A butcher from a family with generations in the trade has joined Rhug Estate, bringing international experience to the North Wales organic food producer.
Food technician Uli Kappel has swapped rural Germany for the 12,500-acre estate near Corwen after a career spanning Europe and South America, joining the award-winning farm shop at one of its busiest times of the year.
The appointment strengthens the team behind Rhug's renowned butcher's counter, which serves thousands of visitors annually alongside a growing online customer base, with Rhug's meat holding a Royal Warrant from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen.
Born and raised in the rural Meschede region of Germany, Uli comes from a long line of butchers, with his grandfather, father, uncles and cousins all working in the profession.
After building his career in countries including Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Switzerland and across South America before moving to Scotland, he was approached about joining Rhug Estate and immediately felt at home.
“It feels very similar to where I grew up,” said Uli.
“We had a small village surrounded by mountains, rivers and streams, although perhaps the mountains there are a little bigger.
“Butchery has always been part of my family. It's in our background and something I've loved from an early age, so to have the opportunity to join a place like Rhug Estate is very special.
“I'm looking to put my own stamp on the role, develop new products and be creative while working with some of the finest organically produced meat anywhere in the UK.”
He added:
“I've worked with all types of meat around the world, but North American bison is something completely new for me. The quality here is exceptional.
“It's also fantastic that everything is produced here on the estate. Working so closely with the cutting plant means we're able to prepare fresh products every day and experiment with new ideas while keeping quality consistent from field to plate.”
Rhug Estate is one of Britain's leading organic farming businesses, spanning 12,500 acres near Corwen.
Working closely with the estate's on-site cutting plant, Uli prepares everything fresh for the farm shop butcher's counter, from handcrafted sausages, burgers and stuffed chicken to barbecue favourites including steak skewers, while also helping develop new seasonal products.
The cutting plant sits at the heart of Rhug Estate's celebrated operation, giving complete traceability and expert dry ageing before produce reaches customers in the Farm Shop, online and through leading restaurants, hotels and luxury retailers.
“We've been incredibly busy from day one, especially with the barbecue weather,” said Uli.
“The burgers, sausages, stuffed chicken and beef skewers have been flying out. One customer wanted to buy every steak skewer we had, and some days we've sold out before the counter even closes.
“The diced beef steak skewers with bell peppers have been especially popular. People love the quality of the meat here and we've struggled to keep some products on the counter because demand has been so high.
“It's exciting because I can blend traditional butchery with new ideas. That's exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for, and everyone has made me feel so welcome.
“I'm looking forward to putting down roots in North Wales, making new friends and enjoying everything Wales has to offer.”
Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said:
“I'm proud when I walk into the shop now and see an exciting looking butcher's counter, full of incredible cuts ready to pop in the oven.
“Uli brings a depth of experience to our counter, and it shows within weeks of him arriving. He understands our produce and our standards, and customers are already noticing the difference. It's exactly this kind of skill and dedication that keeps Rhug at the forefront of British organic food and also maintains Rhug Farm Shop as the number one farm shop in Wales.”
Amy Coleman, Managing Director of Rhug Ltd, added:
“Bringing the butcher's counter back to life at Rhug Estate is a brilliant milestone for us. Our farm shop is all about connecting people with exceptional produce, and having our expert butchery team back at the centre of the shop floor elevates the whole experience for our visitors.”
The Estate also introduced vending machines to give customers 24/7 access to Rhug's premium produce beyond traditional farm shop hours.
