Princely Sums From Organics
Posted 15th January 2001
Photo shows Duchy Originals brand chocolates

Duchy Originals, the Prince of Wales' organic-food company, increased its profits almost threefold last year as sales of organic food soared. The green-minded royal now owns the country's leading independent organic-food brand. Belinda Gooding, managing director, said the rise stemmed from the growing interest in organic food and the success of the Duchy's pork products. Duchy Originals' profits rose to £502,806 last year from £177,841 the previous year, according to accounts filed last month. About £400,000 of the profit was paid to the Prince of Wales's Charitable Foundation.

The company, now chaired by Guy McCracken, a former Marks & Spencer director, was launched 11 years ago, selling biscuits made with organic wheat from the prince's Highgrove estate. Gooding said Prince Charles had given the brand integrity at a time when cynicism about organic food was growing. "People know he is passionate about organic farming and the integrity of his products comes first," she said. Last year's most successful products were Duchy bacon and sausages and Lemon Refresher, a soft drink aimed at adults. Nielsen, the ratings agency, says Refresher is the fastest growing in its market. Gooding said the company would be launching a range of chocolate biscuits and bread products this year. She said Prince Charles often contributed ideas for new products and had helped develop the pork range.

The value of the organic-food market grew 40% last year after a 40% rise the year before, according to Mintel. About 70% of baby food sold is now organic. Waitrose was the first grocer to stock Duchy Originals. The prince's goods are now sold by most big chains. Steven Easom, buying director at Waitrose, said: "Organic food has become part of the weekly shopping basket. When people think about food now they are also thinking about where it came from and how it was made.".