A family from Andover who started a business in pro-biotic supplements, is to receive a prestigious royal award in recognition of the company’s growth overseas.

The firm, Optibac, sells a well-known known brand of gut friendly bacteria supplements and was founded by three siblings who were born and raised in Andover.

Soraya, Jalal and Farah Janmohamed will be presented with the Kings Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category on Wednesday,  October 23.

Jalal Janmohamed, Co-Founder and Managing Director said it was an honour: “This win reaffirms our unwavering commitment to expanding our global presence and getting the very best in friendly bacteria to people wherever they are in the world.

"Since our first Queen's Award win in 2019, we have continued to build our efforts internationally across the whole business, from sales and marketing to logistics, operations and technical. This achievement really is testament to the collective passion and expertise across our entire team.”

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Based in the town, Optibac employs 100 local people and now operates in over 25 international markets, across six continents.

The siblings were inspired to pursue probiotics by their father, a community pharmacist who owned Andover’s fondly remembered ‘Coopers Chemist’ on the local high street, before expanding to 11 more pharmacies across surrounding areas in the south. 

Soraya explained: "Optibac has defied industry norms by achieving our remarkable growth while remaining family owned and run. We’re committed to gold-standard science and prioritising natural ingredients, alongside employee wellbeing.”

Members of the Janmohamed family will be joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Test Valley Councillor Ian Jeffery for the award ceremony at the company's head office at Mayfield Avenue Industrial Park in Andover.