Waitrose is the only supermarket to be granted the Royal Warrant, given as a mark of recognition to companies who have regularly supplied the Royal Household for a period of at least five years. Having been first granted a Royal Warrant in 1928, for supplying King George V with groceries and cleaning materials, it remains a huge source of pride for all those who work within the Partnership and for those who grow and supply its products also.
Colin Mullins is a Craft Guilder and the artisan producer responsible for making the Royal Warrants by hand in a 3D format. Colin creates each one from his studio in Crewe and for the first time, has been able to produce them from 100% plant-based materials. Waitrose is one of the first retailers to receive a plant-based warrant, formed from caster oil bean, which not only ensures zero waste on materials used but also creates a hardy and weather proof end result.
Mr Mullins said: “It’s a proud moment indeed to see my work finally going into Waitrose Windsor, after many months spent working on each piece in my home studio. What starts off as some rough sketches and a lump of modelling clay, then gets 3D printed and shaped into the final piece you see up on the wall. I take great care to apply all the paint and gold leaf by hand, which is a very intricate and lengthy process. It’s taken many years to hone my craft, and making my work as sustainable as possible is always a top priority for me. I hope Waitrose shoppers will stop and take a moment to look at it when they next pop in, taking in all the details and appreciating the heritage and quality it represents.”
There has been a Waitrose in Windsor since 1918, it was awarded a Royal Warrant in 1928 as a supplier of groceries and cleaning materials to George V and was the first Waitrose to have a warrant. The store has hosted visits from Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the late HRH Prince Phillip on several occasions.
Waitrose Windsor Branch Manager, Carolyn Bailey, said: “We are so excited to see the new Royal Warrant for His Majesty King Charles III go up on our wall today. It will have pride of place as customers enter the store, and we know our regular shoppers will be as pleased as we are to see the new design, and appreciate all the workmanship that’s gone into it. We have several Partners who have worked with us for over 40 years, some of whom are here today to toast the new addition to our store and celebrate this auspicious occasion. We’ve been lucky enough to house several of the previous Royal Warrants, but this will be the first 100% plant based one, which makes it feel even more special.”
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