Jon Lewis, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gower View Foods, has been named as the winner of the Farmers’ Union of Wales/NatWest Cymru 2025 Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry Award.
The annual award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the Welsh dairy industry.
Established in 2007, under Jon Lewis’ leadership, Gower View Foods has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised independent butter and dairy co-packers, supplying leading brands for many of the major retailers and food service providers across the UK and Europe.
Based at a modern, purpose-built manufacturing facility in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, the company’s co-packing capabilities range from portion-sized butter and bulk block production to a wide range of flavoured butters, flavoured creams, and promotional packaging solutions.
In addition to its co-packing services, Gower View Foods also produces its own range of products, including the notable Shirgar Butter and Ísey Skyr, made using a traditional Icelandic recipe on its state-of-the-art Ultra Filtration plant.
Recognised as one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses in Wales in 2020, the company’s success has been driven by a flexible, collaborative approach and more than 30 years of collective experience in the dairy industry.
Under Mr Lewis’s leadership, the company has created skilled jobs in West Wales and has made a substantial contribution to the local economy through sustained investment, product development, and rural employment.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of operations, with ongoing investment in renewable energy generation, recyclable packaging, plastic reduction initiatives, and advanced effluent treatment systems, supporting both environmental objectives and long-term business resilience.
The award was presented to Mr Lewis at the Farmers’ Union of Wales’ annual Eve of the Welsh Dairy Show Dinner, sponsored by NatWest Cymru, held at Carmarthen Livestock Market on Monday, 27 October 2025.
Presenting the award, FUW President Ian Rickman said:
“Jon Lewis’s leadership has made a significant contribution to the Welsh dairy sector. Through his focus on innovation, sustainability, and job creation, he has demonstrated how strong business vision can deliver real benefits for both the industry and rural communities. His achievements with Gower View Foods are an excellent example of how Welsh dairy can compete and thrive on a national stage.”
Rhys Williams, Director, Commercial Banking at NatWest Swansea & West Wales said:
“Jon Lewis has shown how strong leadership and strategic investment can turn a local business into a national success story.
His achievements with Gower View Foods demonstrate how commercial success and community benefit can go hand in hand, creating skilled employment, supporting local supply chains, and contributing to the wider prosperity of rural Wales.
NatWest Cymru is proud to help celebrate such an inspiring example of sustainable business growth.”
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has questioned whether the recently introduced Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 are delivering on their promise of transparency to dairy farmers, following a wave of milk price reductions by processors.
The FUW’s calls coincide with the Welsh Dairy Show, taking place at the Carmarthen Showground on Tuesday 28 October, 2025.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) recently welcomed Wales Office Minister, Anna McMorrin MP on a farm visit to the home of FUW Carmarthenshire Chair, Huw James, for a discussion on the key issues currently shaping the future of Welsh agriculture.
Farming near Llanwinio, Carmarthenshire, Huw is a third-generation cattle farmer who runs a beef fattening enterprise, having previously been a dairy holding. Elected FUW Carmarthenshire Chair earlier this year, Huw succeeded Ann Davies, who is now the current Member of Parliament for Caerfyrddin.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has responded to the Welsh Government’s announcement today (Monday 27th October) regarding Bovine TB and changes to Resolved Inconclusive Reactors, describing the move as a “practical, evidence-led step”.
Following a review of the evidence by the TB Technical Advisory Group - subsequently accepted by the TB Programme Board - it was concluded that cattle previously classified as standard interpretation resolved inconclusive reactors are 3 times more likely to be later identified as reactors, inconclusive reactors, or slaughterhouse-positive cases compared to animals that have consistently tested clear.
Earlier this month, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) attended the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ Autumn Conference in Wrexham to highlight the Union’s key policy priorities in the lead-up to the 2026 Senedd elections and to gain a deeper understanding of the party’s stance on food and farming in Wales.
FUW representatives held constructive discussions with Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Members, candidates, and party staff, focusing particularly on the development of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and the urgent need for fair and sustainable funding for agriculture within the Welsh Government’s budget.
During the conference, the FUW also shared its key manifesto proposals for the next Senedd and Welsh Government. Central to these is a continued commitment to working collaboratively on a fair, practical, and future-proof Sustainable Farming Scheme that works for Welsh farmers and rural communities.
The manifesto further calls for a stronger, more resilient Welsh food system. This includes greater support for domestic food production, local processing facilities, and public procurement policies that prioritise Welsh produce. The Union is advocating for policy commitments that back shorter, more robust supply chains, long-term investment in small and medium-sized abattoirs, and the introduction of legislative tools to safeguard national food security.
FUW officials also met with David Chadwick MP, Member of Parliament for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, sharing concerns about the proposed UK Government reforms to Inheritance Tax and the implications of the current funding settlement between the UK and Welsh governments. Particular concern was raised about the future ‘Barnettisation’ of Welsh agricultural funding, which the FUW believes would significantly disadvantage Welsh farmers.
Speaking after the conference, Tim Faire, Chair of the FUW’s Land Use and Parliamentary Committee, said:
“Engaging with political parties ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections is essential to ensure that the voice of Welsh farming is heard loud and clear.
“We therefore welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Welsh Liberal Democrats and outline our key manifesto priorities. Fair funding for agriculture, safeguarding our national food security, and strengthening local supply chains must be at the heart of future policy if we are to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for Welsh farming.”
The FUW’s 2026 Senedd manifesto can be read in full here.
- Well over 1,000 farmers attend FUW Roadshow meetings to learn more about the Sustainable Farming Scheme
- Rebecca Prothero appointed as FUW Gwent County Executive Officer
- FUW and NFU Cymru present shared vision for the future of Welsh farming at Plaid Cymru Conference
- FUW Christmas card competition rules
