The dairy company, which previously won awards in 2001 and 2006, received the honour in recognition of its ongoing commitment to British organic farming, as well as a wide range of sustainable and environmental best practices which are core to its business practices. The award commends the breadth of Yeo Valley’s approach: “Demonstrating outstanding performance in every aspect of sustainability, the company has established best practice across its operations.”
Yeo Valley has recently developed a carbon-neutral heating system for its head office using home-grown Miscanthus bio-fuel, sources electricity from renewable sources for all of its operational sites and has also made significant reductions in its carbon footprint. In the last year, the company has also introduced advanced recycled and recyclable packaging across its range of dairy products.
The panel of judges also commended the company on its support for independent farmers and the wider British farming community, saying: “This family-owned, independent farming and dairy-processing business continues to set a benchmark for sustainability performance”.
Yeo Valley has grown to become one of the country’s most successful organic food companies and the most popular organic dairy brand. Today, it is the market leader in organic yogurts, has the biggest-selling organic butter range and is the brand leader in organic milk.
Tim Mead, Yeo Valley’s managing director said: “Sustainable farming and manufacturing is at the very heart of the Yeo Valley ethos. Ever since my parents bought the farm in Blagdon 50 years ago, our family has been committed to protecting the Somerset countryside and championing British organic farming. This philosophy continues to run through everything at Yeo Valley and our renewable energy project is the latest development to help reduce our impact on the environment. Winning our third Queen’s Award is a great way to celebrate our 50th year.”
Source: Yeo Valley
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