British skincare brand Dr.PAWPAW has been recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade, one of only 197 organisations across the UK to receive the prestigious accolade in 2025.
Announced on Tuesday 6 May, the award celebrates the company’s achievements in expanding its international reach. The King’s Awards for Enterprise, formerly known as The Queen’s Awards, are the most distinguished awards for UK businesses and were renamed in 2023 to honour the continuation of the legacy established by HM Queen Elizabeth II. Recipients are selected based on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and approved by His Majesty The King.
Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Johnny and Pauline Paterson, Dr.PAWPAW was developed in response to their daughter’s eczema. With limited natural remedies available in the UK at the time, the couple introduced a balm based on the pawpaw (papaya) fruit, a traditional Australian remedy known to Pauline from her native country.
Since its launch, Dr.PAWPAW has grown to become the leading pawpaw balm brand in Europe, employing a team of 20 and distributing globally through major retail partners. The brand’s portfolio, known for being natural, vegan, and inclusive, has earned over 40 international beauty awards and is used widely by professional makeup artists and high-profile consumers.
Commenting on the achievement, Pauline Paterson, Co-Founder, said: “Johnny and I are absolutely delighted to be recognised by the King’s Awards. Since we started the business in 2013, it was our dream to take a British brand all over the world and bring fun, natural and vegan products to the masses at an affordable price. We are a totally inclusive brand and to get this recognition at this stage really means the world to us. We will fly this award as high as we can”.
Johnny Paterson, also Co-Founder, added: “Both Pauline and I are UK Government Export Champions and this achievement for International Trade once again celebrates the great work we’ve done with export since launching the business. We are now reaching customers all around the world, and winning the King’s Awards for Enterprise for International Trade celebrates the dedication and resilience that have driven our international success”.
Winners of the King’s Awards for Enterprise are entitled to use the emblem for five years, serving as a mark of excellence and recognition across both domestic and international markets.
