It is an organic empire that started with a cookie and today markets in more than 30 countries.
King Charles has proven to be a visionary in the world of organic food, turning a pioneering initiative into a hugely lucrative business that generated more than £200 million in sales last year. Since the early nineties, His Majesty has opted for sustainable agriculture, anticipating a trend that today dominates the market.
It all started with a simple cookie, with the aim of promoting sustainable agriculture, which is how the father of Princes William and Harry commissioned the Scottish brand Walkers to create a product made with wheat and oats from their own organic crops. After testing more than one hundred varieties, in 1992 the chosen cookie was launched on the market under the Duchy Originals brand, a company registered two years earlier by the monarch.
What started for King Charles with a simple cookie became an extensive catalog of more than 300 products, ranging from beer to hummus, exported to more than 30 countries and made in collaboration with small local producers. The partnership with supermarket chain Waitrose in 2009 was a turning point that led to the mass popularization of Duchy Originals.
However, the British president's path to business success was not without controversy. Criticism arose about his involvement in commercial activities, even though the company's profits do not go to his personal fortune. Additionally, the launch of a line of medicinal herbs faced criticism for misleading advertising, which ultimately led to its withdrawal from the market.
Despite the challenges, the English sovereign has managed to establish an organic empire that is not only a financial success, but also a legacy of his commitment to sustainable agriculture and the promotion of a healthier lifestyle. Today it has been created for 27 years.
