Riverford Organic Farms

Producer: Riverford Organic Farms, Devon
Product: Mini cucumbers
Region: South West, Channel Islands and Isles of Scilly
Category: From the Earth (Primary)

What they do
Guy Watson began his organic vegetable empire by delivering boxes of vegetables to 30 friends in Devon. Surprised by its success, he set up his veg box scheme in 1993, and today Riverford Organic Farms delivers fresh fruit and vegetables to more than 47,000 customers a week in England and South Wales.

Riverford Organic Farms believe it’s the “next best thing to growing your own”, and relishes encouraging customers to enjoy the “anticipation and reward as we move through the year” in contrast to the predictable monotony of supermarket stock. Flavour always comes first at Riverford, not the yield or the cosmetic perfection of the 100-plus types of fruits and vegetables the farms grow. 

Riverford Organic Farms was proud to win Ethical Product of the Decade at the Observer Ethical Awards 2015. The company is dedicated to minimising its environmental impact, and in response to demand have partnered with regional farms across the country to expand the business, while decreasing food miles and supporting local enterprise and employment. 

What the judges said
The judges were impressed by the passion and knowledge that came through in Riverford’s application, as well as the efforts they’re putting in to working in tune with the environment. The judges especially liked that the specific variety of cucumbers were named.

Visit the website:  riverford.co.uk