Our Story
Thanks, we think, to people like our customers who’ve supported us in trying to show what good food really means
Where it started
Duchy Originals was launched in 1990 by HRH The Prince of Wales. Our story goes back a little further, however – back to the early 1980s when The Prince moved to the Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, and began the process of converting the Duchy Home Farm, which is part of the estate, to an entirely organic agricultural system.
Through Duchy Originals, The Prince believed he could create a “virtuous circle” - produce high quality food of the highest quality, work in harmony with the environment and nature, use the best ingredients and add value through expert production. In addition to this, with all the profits going to The Prince’s Charities Foundation, the brand would go on to support an increasing number of worthwhile projects.
Timeline
In 1986, The Prince began the process of converting parts of Home Farm to organic production. Trials were successful and, gradually, the whole farm converted to organic, achieving full organic status in 1996.
1990: the seed of an idea
In 1990, The Prince of Wales commissioned some research into whether there was a market for organic food. The idea was simple: to see if, instead of embracing ever more intensive farming methods, it was possible to make a profit by selling food that emphasised sustainable production, natural ingredients and traditional skills. That profit could then be used for charity, forming what The Prince calls a ‘virtuous circle'.
1990-92: the launch
Named after the Duchy of Cornwall estates, which are held in trust by The Prince of Wales, Duchy Originals was launched in 1990. Our first product, the oaten biscuit, was launched in 1992.
1999: making money for charity
We’ve grown steadily since then, and we now have over 200 quintessentially British products. A key moment came in 1999, however, when we got confirmation that times were changing and our message was getting through. In that year, we made our first profit. Since then, thanks to the support of our customers, we’ve made – and given to The Prince’s Charities Foundation over £6 million.
2010: In partnership with Waitrose
Duchy Originals joins forces with Waitrose
As we’ve grown, we’ve stayed true to our principles, raising the profile of organic food and working with more and more producers to feed
We believe that where you buy your food and what you feed your family is one of the most important decisions you can make. It affects the whole way people see society, the environment, the economy and our relationship to them.
It’s a big responsibility, but with your help, we think we can continue to make delicious food that is good, does good and tastes good.
The new Duchy Originals from Waitrose product range arrived in Waitrose branches in August 2010. The broad range of products is based on a shared belief in the value of British organic food, grown and produced sustainably. Customers can enjoy delicious, great quality food and drink, while helping to preserve our food heritage and support British charities.
As well as Duchy Originals favourites, customers will find specially selected Waitrose organic products in the range, plus lots of new lines. Waitrose has carefully selected every item to make sure it follows the Duchy Originals Good Food Charter: tastes good, is good, does good.
