Prince Charles's green farming business reaps a £200m harvest
PRINCE Charles's upmarket organic food business is now a £200million brand, his supermarket partners revealed yesterday.
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Waitrose marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of Duchy Originals by hailing its success in promoting greener farming.
The supermarket giant formed a partnership with the business in 2009.
And it revealed that the brand, now known as Waitrose Duchy Organic, has passed £200million in sales in a year, boosted by exports to more than 30 countries.
Charles set up Duchy Originals
It said the high volume has built up ever since the first oaten biscuit went on sale in 1992.
To celebrate, Waitrose launched a competition to find a main course made from Duchy's organic ingredients.
The winner will attend a celebratory banquet at Dumfries House in Ayrshire where their winning dish will be served at a dinner hosted by Charles.
The brand’s food is now exported to 30 countries
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Waitrose managing director Rob Collins said: "This 25th anniversary highlights the extraordinary vision of the Prince of Wales.
He has encouraged more sustainable agriculture and expanded the market for organic food
"In creating the Duchy brand, he has encouraged more sustainable agriculture and expanded the market for organic food in the UK and around the world.
"We are honoured to be the custodians of the brand and delighted to have achieved the significant milestone of £200million in annual sales."
The brand helps foster sustainable farming because a donation from every sale goes to The Prince Of Wales's Charitable Foundation.
Waitress formed a partnership with the business in 2009
So far this has raised more than £17million for causes including the Duchy Future Farming Programme, which helps farmers develop more sustainable farming practices, and The Prince's Countryside Fund, which works to secure the future of people living and working in the countryside.
Other charities to benefit include hospices, youth organisations and disaster relief. The range of products has grown to 300, from bacon to fresh fruit, vegetables to beer and prawns to cider.
The brand is also popular overseas with exports to countries including Japan, Germany, the US, Australia, Dubai and Taiwan.
Waitress Duchy Organic has passed £200 in sales in a year
Overseas, the most popular product is shortbread biscuits.
Under the 2009 partnership Waitrose was given the right to manufacture, distribute and sell products under the brand name.
The brand requires food to be produced without using artificial fertilisers and to high standards of animal husbandry.
The use of pesticides is greatly restricted - with an emphasis instead on nutrientrich soil to grow strong healthy crops and the use of natural predators to control pests.