A KNUTSFORD business has received the UK’s most prestigious business awards after three decades of trading.

Delamere Dairy, located on Bexton Lane, has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its international trade achievements.

The company, which started life with just three goats in Delamere Forest more than 30 years ago, now exports its goats’ and cows’ milk-based dairy products to twenty countries around the world, and turns over in excess of £20 million per year.

Liz Sutton, founder and co-owner of Delamere Dairy, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award.

“When my husband Roger and I started the business all those years ago, we made it our mission to make goats’ milk readily available all across the UK in every supermarket as well as rural village shops.

“We never imagined at that time we would see Delamere Dairy products on supermarket shelves in Italy, China and the USA. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and we are looking forward to celebrating with them.”

Two representatives from Delamere Dairy will be officially presented with the award at HM The Queen’s Reception at Buckingham Palace in July.

Later in the year, the Lord-Lieutenant of the Cheshire, The Queen’s local representative, will visit Delamere Dairy HQ to present the Grant of Appointment and presentational crystal bowl.

Ed Salt, managing director and co-owner, added: “We’re thrilled to have been ranked so highly amongst other progressive, ambitious companies, operating on a global level.

“It’s significant that a speciality dairy company has been borne from a region renowned for traditional dairy and is pushing the boundaries with its product innovation in the UK and in markets across the globe. I’m really proud of all the team at Delamere.”

Delamere Dairy products can also be bought across the UK and are stocked in major consumer stores such as Sainsbury's, Booths, Waitrose, Tesco and Asda.