Hampshire's Optibac Probiotics scoops King’s Award for Enterprise
Andover-headquartered Optibac Probiotics, which offers friendly bacteria products, is celebrating after scooping a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the international trade category.
The King’s Award was presented by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire on October 23 at a special ceremony for the family-run firm, which this year is also marking its 20th anniversary.
Optibac now operates in over 25 international markets, a feat commended at the event, which was attended by the Mayor of Test Valley Cllr Ian Jeffery, as well as Optibac’s 100 team members and founding siblings - Jalal, Soraya and Farah Janmohamed.
Judges were also been impressed with its rapid growth including a projected turnover of more than £24 million in 2024/25.
Among the most acclaimed awards, The King’s Awards celebrate outstanding achievements by UK businesses and were instituted by Royal Warrant back in 1965.
Each entry is judged by a specialist panel, which makes a recommendation to the Prime Minister's advisory committee.
His Majesty King Charles then decides the winners, who each receive an official grant of appointment and an invitation to a celebratory reception at Buckingham Palace.
The award marked the second royal accolade for Optibac Probiotics, with it previously winning a Queen's Award in 2019.
Soraya Janmohamed, co-founder and director at Optibac, said: "Looking back over the last 20 years, I'm filled with immense pride and gratitude.
"It’s been a remarkable journey, and with the support of our incredible team, loyal customers, and valued partners, we’ve helped millions of people support their health around the world.
"As we look to the future, Jalal, Farah, and I are more passionate than ever about continuing to improve lives through the best friendly bacteria supplements. We’ll keep innovating, expanding our range, and staying true to the values that have guided us for the past 20 years.
"We’d like to thank everyone who’s been a part of the journey with us. Here’s to many more years of making products we believe in, with a business that does good in this world!"
Optibac was founded by siblings Soraya, Jalal and Farah in 2004 with the inspiration of their father - a successful community pharmacist for over 35 years.
The company has now grown exponentially from its family origins into a global powerhouse, mainly fuelled by a deep-rooted dedication to providing high-quality, science-backed probiotics that address specific health concerns.
It has defied industry norms by remaining family owned and run, committed to gold-standard science, and prioritising natural ingredients.
The company also uses some of the most eco-conscious packaging solutions and has been devoted to doing good beyond the power of their products, raising over £2 million for charities to-date.
