Eunice Yeboah Afeti, Blue Skies

Eunice Yeboah Afeti at Blue Skies' factory in Ghana

UK prepared fruit supplier Blue Skies, which has factories in Ghana, Egypt, South Africa and Brazil, has received a Queen's Award for Sustainable Development for the second time in four years.

The award recognises the company’s contribution to development in Africa and South America by producing fresh-cut fruit and freshly squeezed juice, prepared within the country of origin.

Blue Skies products are available under retailer own label from a number of leading European supermarket chains.

Since receiving its first Queen's Award in 2008, the company has continued to strengthen its commitment to sustainable development.

In 2009, Blue Skies launched a foundation with two retailers to fund development projects such as schools and clinics within the communities it operates. The company has also participated in a pilot programme to enable small-scale farmers in Africa to gain Linking Environment and Farming accreditation for their fresh produce.

Founder and chairman Anthony Pile said: “It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award for the second time. We aim to deliver the best quality prepared fruit in the world, and to do so in a way which is truly equitable.

“Receiving this award twice clearly demonstrates the progress we have made in the field of sustainable development.”