Rapeseed oil producer presses on strongly with supermarket deal

AN ABERDEENSHIRE producer of gourmet rapeseed oil has won a contract to supply Asda just three months after setting up in business.

Mackintosh of Glendaveny, which was established in 2009, will supply five product lines into 15 Asda stores across the north-east of Scotland, from Perth to Elgin.

The range includes its pure extra virgin cold-pressed rapeseed oil and others that are infused with garlic, jalapeno, chilli pepper and lemon.

Gregor Mackintosh, founder of Mackintosh of Glendaveny, said: "Asda has very high standards that suppliers must reach so to get the deal to supply its north-east stores is a fantastic endorsement of our products and our business.

"We are now producing to the highest standard within Scotland in line with challenging new accreditation levels.

"Consumers, including some top chefs, are starting to appreciate the health values of rapeseed oil which is rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 contents and as a result is a healthier alternative to olive oils."

The value of the deal to the firm was undisclosed.

The deal with the multiple retailer was signed after Mackintosh met a representative at a Grampian Food Forum meeting in last year.

Although rapeseed oil is widely available in supermarkets and wholesale outlets, Mackintosh says the market is largely dominated by mass produced, hot pressed oil.

"Cold pressed is the key," said Mackintosh.

"We cold press our rapeseed gently extracting the oil, retaining all of the natural goodness from seed to bottle producing a desirable product that is 100 per cent free from preservatives and chemicals."

The idea of creating a new business producing rapeseed oil came about while Mackintosh studied at the Scottish Agricultural College in Aberdeen where he carried out a feasibility study and supply chain investigation into the demand for the oil as part of his degree.

Mackintosh's oil is pressed and bottled on his family farm in Glendaveny, Aberdeenshire where the raw product, oilseed rape, is grown.

Last year Mackintosh successfully applied for a 5,000 grant and a low-interest loan from the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust which helped him buy a press, bottling line and filtering equipment.

He said: "The business is at a very exciting stage with huge growth opportunities. We have recruited production and sales and marketing staff and are looking carefully at further expansion.

"We hope to continue to work closely with our local stockists and would like to thank them for their support."