Benevo Vegan Pet Foods was presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, acknowledging its outstanding growth in exports over recent years.

As an independent,100% veggie owned family business, Benevo has been creating innovative nutritionally complete animal-free pet food for cats and dogs since 2005, in addition to complimentary foods and treats.

The Queen’s Award is the UK’s most prestigious business award, granted to companies by Her Majesty The Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Company Director, Darrell de Vries accepted the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire who presented the Grant of Appointment signed by both Queen Elizabeth II and Theresa May along with a commemorative crystal bowl.

The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire was also joined by the Mayor of Havant where Benevo is based, who both acknowledged the unique nature of the business and the impressive 50% increase in international sales, despite operating in a very niche market.

Darrell de Vries said: “The best thing about this award is that it’s won on performance, not opinion. It’s much more meaningful, as the performance is a reflection of the hard work put in by everyone here in our team. It is a pat on the back for our success that couldn’t have come from a higher authority."

The ceremony held at Benevo’s headquarters followed on from a reception at Buckingham Palace earlier this month where Mr de Vries along with Benevo’s manager of exports Dominic Eadie met Prince Charles and the Duke of Kent.

Since the announcement, Benevo’s achievements have gained coverage all around the world, on platforms such as International Asian TV and Israeli TV and they have even received new business interest from as far away as New Zealand.

Now accounting for the majority of their sales, Benevo’s award winning foods can be found in over 30 countries worldwide, replacing millions of pets’ meals each year with more environmentally friendly options.