Riverford Organics wins third ethical award

FRUIT and vegetable delivery firm Riverford Organic has scooped a prestigious ethical award.

The business, which operates from Stockley Farm in Cheshire, has been named ‘best online retailer’ in the Observer Ethical Awards 2010.

The award – which was voted for by the public – was presented by actor Colin Firth at a ceremony at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London.

This is Riverford’s third Observer award: last year the leading organic veg box company which delivers to customers across Manchester, Cheshire and the North West won ‘best ethical business’ and its farm restaurant the Field Kitchen was named ‘best ethical restaurant’ in the Observer Food Monthly Awards.

Company founder Guy Watson said: “We are thrilled to have won our third Observer award.

“These awards celebrate businesses and people that are trying to make a difference.

“At Riverford we aim to give a fair deal to everything and everyone that the business touches; from staff and growers to our customers and the environment.

“To be recognised in this way is a huge boost.”

Other winners included campaigner Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, politician Caroline Lucas and Gordon Roddick.

The Observer Ethical Awards are now in their fifth year and celebrate those that stand up and take action against environmental and social injustice.