Prepped fruit specialist recognised for commitment to sustainable business in prestigious royal honours list
Fresh-cut fruit supplier Blue Skies is among 186 British businesses to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 for longstanding commitment to sustainable development.
The news, announced today (6 May), is the company’s fifth royal award in total, with four previous recognitions on the Queen’s Award for Enterprise list.
“This award is a tremendous honour for Blue Skies and a proud moment for everyone across our global business,” said Blue Skies CEO, Hugh Pile.
“It recognises not only our sustainability achievements, but the very foundations of who we are – a business that exists to create lasting positive impact through the way we operate.
“This achievement belongs to every colleague who contributes to making Blue Skies a force for good.”
Minister for small businesses and economic transformation, Blair McDougall, said: “A huge congratulations to every business receiving awards this year, who once again have illustrated the best of British innovation and talent.
“These awards show that right across the UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding and it’s only right that we champion these successes.”
The award particularly recognises Blue Skies’ value-adding at source model, producing fresh-cut products close to where fruit is grown.
Headquartered in Northamptonshire, with operations in Ghana, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil and Benin, the company employs nearly 10,000 people globally.
Blue Skies also recently had its Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated, as part of its broader sustainability strategy.
The company will formally receive the award later this year from His Majesty’s representative, with further celebrations planned across the business.
