Benevo Vegan Pet Foods, the UK’s best selling vegan dog food brand, has received The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

Founded by Darrell de Vries, Benevo launched it’s first pet food in 2005, with the aim of creating a meat-free dog food alternative, with a unique wheat-free recipe for more food sensitive dogs. This soon proved popular amongst customers who were buying it online in the UK. Enquiries began coming in from abroad, and slowly the export sales began.

Soon Benevo was selling more food outside of the UK than at home. Within a few years, they were reaching far beyond their initial EU customers. Benevo can now be found from California to Japan, and Norway to New Zealand. Export sales now account for the majority of Benevo’s sales, with significant customer bases in locations as diverse as South Africa, Hong Kong and Israel.

The Queen’s Award acknowledges the company's outstanding growth, after seeing recent rapid development of their export sales in recent years.

Director Darrell de Vries said: “As a pioneering company swimming against the tide of traditional pet foods out there, this is a very significant award for us.

"An award of this level is breakthrough recognition of Benevo’s international achievements and a real boost for our team who have worked so hard to support Benevo’s products and customers.”

Regarding what this award means for the future Darrell added: “Incorporating the Queens Award for Enterprise logo on our packaging and marketing will set our product apart from the competition.

"This award is proudly earned, not won, so I believe it enhances our brand reputation both here in the UK and abroad - that can only help to grow international sales further.”

Benevo continues to lead with innovation in this niche market, with their growing selection of 100% vegan products. Now including complete cat food, puppy food, grain-free and organic options, as well as a large range of meat-free treats.

Benevo vegan pet foods are currently available throughout the UK at independant pet food stores, health food stores and online.