Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand...
Anabel Kindersley: The brand started as a herbal apothecary in 1981 in Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden, where a group of like-minded individuals came together to start small businesses that thought differently. Ours was founded on a passion for natural and ethical health, wellbeing and beauty, which is still the driving force behind everything we do today – just now on a global stage.
What is your brand best known for?
Our blue glass apothecary bottles with ingredients that smell divine.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
Being the first beauty business in the UK to be organically certified by the Soil Association, and to have helped develop those certifications. Also, becoming the first carbon-neutral high street retailer over 10 years ago, before it was really being talked about.
Read more about Neal's Yard Remedies' sustainability commitments here.
Why do you love about the brand?
We care about people’s health and wellbeing, and that is at the heart of all the products we make. We never compromise on the quality of our natural and organic ingredients and are proud of the strong partnerships we have built with our growers and suppliers over the decades. We are an honest brand that you can always count on, and we’re brave enough to stand up for what we believe in.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
We have the luxury of making over 90% of our products in our own eco-factory in Dorset, which means we can follow them along every step supply chain – from seed to bottle – to ensure the finest quality, ethically-made products reach our customers. Our elegant blue glass bottles protect the ingredients from UV, which means we can keep the use of preservatives to an absolute minimum. And our commitment to preserving nature and the environment in Britain and more globally demonstrates our determination to uphold the highest standards.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
To be able to stand with a group of brands that represent British luxury in the best sense of the word. Luxury symbolises many things to many different people, but for us it is all about integrity. This means you can trust the business not to cut corners and to ensure quality through expert craftsmanship. And, more specifically, Walpole is a kindred spirit that recognises the integral role sustainability has to play in British luxury.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose (and what would you like to do)?
We love partnering with brands that share our commitment to creating high-quality products in an ethical, sustainable way. I feel strongly that businesses need to work together to find solutions to the problems our planet is facing, and I know this is a value shared by many brands across the Walpole network so we look forward to many fruitful collaborations in the years to come.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
We are about to launch a very exciting new category in skincare. I literally can’t get enough of these products. They’re proof that organic works, and that you can enjoy the benefits of natural and effective skincare while treading lightly on the planet.
