“Thank-you”. This is something we’ve said an awful lot in recent days. Janet started it last Tuesday, when she met King Charles at Buckingham Palace. Since then, from London to LittlePod HQ, we haven’t stopped expressing our gratitude.

To David Fursdon, the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, who presented us with our King’s Awards for Enterprise crystal vase in Farringdon on Friday. To all those who joined us on a memorable morning that is certain to live long in our minds. To Dr Made Setiawan and the vanilla farmers at LittlePod’s orchard in Indonesia, who were able to join our celebrations via video link. To EVERYBODY who came together to ensure that LittlePod’s special day was the most perfect day. Thank-you.

It could not have gone better, the weather aside, yet not even the East Devon drizzle could dampen our spirits as we welcomed the Lord Lieutenant – the King’s representative in the county – back to LittlePod HQ, where he had previously presented us with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise back in 2018.

Having enjoyed a tour with Richard, LittlePod’s Operations Manager, and spoken to Made and his team in Bali, the Lord Lieutenant told our guests, “I want you all to realise what a big deal it is to win this award. What LittlePod is able to do that others are not is to have an impact that goes far beyond the UK. Other businesses and initiatives focus on what they’re able to do in this country, but LittlePod is the opposite. LittlePod is making a difference in countries such as Indonesia and as we’ve heard, they’re able to aid reforestation and improve biodiversity, and to make a difference to communities overseas as well as here at home. That’s a big deal.”

It is always a pleasure to celebrate success and LittlePod is the perfect example. The King’s Award is designed to reward special businesses, and LittlePod is one.

David Fursdon, Lord Lieutenant of Devon

From the vanilla farmers in the Equatorial regions to those who continue to keep it REAL in their kitchens, this award is for all involved in the process, and not just the team here at LittlePod. That being the case, it was fitting that our celebrations included Made and his farmers in Indonesia, as well as LittlePodders internationally, who followed proceedings online. It was apt also that those who gathered in our garden included many who have aided our efforts from day one, as well as those from Farringdon and elsewhere in East Devon, underlining that although our reach is global, we remain rooted in our local area and have never lost our sense of place.

“The fact that LittlePod has always remained true to its roots here in Devon makes it even more special,” said Devon County Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery & Skills. “There has been a lot said about community, and this success seems to belong to the local community almost as much as it does to Janet and to LittlePod and that’s a very precious thing. LittlePod is one of the best examples of a small enterprise thriving within its local community, growing within that community and encouraging that community throughout its journey to success.”

LittlePod is a fantastic example to others, and it’s a pleasure to be here to celebrate.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert

The driving force behind Made in Devon, Councillor Gilbert was joined by Melissa Irace, Project Officer for the Trading Standards-approved scheme that we’re so proud to belong to, as well as Will Martin, representing Littledart, our new fulfilment partners, and a host of LittlePodders and local dignitaries, some reunited beneath our roof and others meeting for the first time.

It was this sense of common ground and coming together – from across the UK, incorporating Indonesia, and assembling in East Devon – that made our special occasion even more memorable. It is this that we celebrate the most, and for this that we give our thanks.

To everyone involved, to our team and our guests, to Dave – our unsung hero in the kitchen – and to Emmanuel for his fabulous photography, our message is the same as that given to King Charles from Janet on behalf of LittlePod and the vanilla farmers of the world’s Equatorial regions…

Our message is simple. Our message is “Thank-you.”