UK prepared fruit supplier Blue Skies, which has factories in Ghana, Egypt, South Africa and Brazil, has received a Queen's Award for Sustainable Development for the second time in four years.
The award recognises the company’s contribution to development in Africa and South America by producing fresh-cut fruit and freshly squeezed juice, prepared within the country of origin.
Blue Skies products are available under retailer own label from a number of leading European supermarket chains.
Since receiving its first Queen's Award in 2008, the company has continued to strengthen its commitment to sustainable development.
In 2009, Blue Skies launched a foundation with two retailers to fund development projects such as schools and clinics within the communities it operates. The company has also participated in a pilot programme to enable small-scale farmers in Africa to gain Linking Environment and Farming accreditation for their fresh produce.
Founder and chairman Anthony Pile said: “It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award for the second time. We aim to deliver the best quality prepared fruit in the world, and to do so in a way which is truly equitable.
“Receiving this award twice clearly demonstrates the progress we have made in the field of sustainable development.”
