Sales of British Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil Set to Soar

Healthy British Rapeseed Oil Set To Replace Olive Oil In Consumer Shopping Baskets

Sales of British cold pressed rapeseed oil are set to soar as health conscious consumers look for a lower fat alternative to olive oil.

In a recent independent survey of over 1100 UK consumers, 58 per cent of respondents said they would consider switching from olive to rapeseed oil when it was explained that it is less than half the saturated fat of olive oil and is produced in Britain.

A further six per cent said that the higher burn point of the product (the stage when a cooking fat begins to smoke or burn) would be enough to encourage them to choose rapeseed oil over olive oil during their next supermarket shop.

Ben Guy, managing director of Borderfields, the company that commissioned the independent survey and the leading producer of rapeseed oil in the UK, said:

"The Mediterranean diet has traditionally been seen as healthier than the British diet due to its reliance on olive oil. That could all be about to change as British consumers are becoming more educated on the health, economic and environmental benefits of rapeseed oil."

"Not only is cold pressed rapeseed oil half the saturated fat of olive oil, but it also contains omegas 3, 6 and 9; essential fatty acids known to reduce cholesterol and maintain a healthy heart, brain function and joint mobility. It is also completely natural - free from additives and processing"

Consumers all over the UK are voting with their shopping baskets. Volume demand for bottles of rapeseed oil has grown by 11.5 per cent across all sellers in the last year, according to retail analysts Kantar, while sales of extra virgin olive oil have fallen by 0.9%.

Tesco, which stocks Borderfields, has seen sales of rapeseed oil increase by 60 per cent in the last year alone.

Such is the demand that Borderfields is now successfully selling its cold pressed rapeseed oil infused with a variety of flavours plus a range of seasonal salad dressings.

Ben Guy added: "We are starting to see a real tipping point in demand. It's not difficult to appreciate the benefits of rapeseed over olive oil. It scores top marks for being healthy, local, environmentally friendly and tasty. I think that message is starting to get through to consumers."

There is a growing interest from celebrity chefs around the country who like its versatile nature. Michelin Star Chef Kenny Atkinson said: "Rapeseed oil can be used as a healthy butter and margarine replacement for baking as well as for dressings and dipping. It makes the best roast potatoes and excellent mayonnaise. I wouldn't be without it in my kitchen."

Ends

For more information, please contact Admiral PR on 0191 222 0722
borderfields@admiralpr.com

Notes to editors:

COMPANY HISTORY

It all began in North Northumberland in 2005, when a group of arable farmers from both sides of the Border came together, looking for an opportunity to develop a unique product which they could deliver from their isolated farms all the way to the customer.

Initial research and extensive taste tests guided them to secure specific rapeseed on the basis of quality, flavour and consistency. Only seed of the highest standard is used to produce Borderfields' Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil.

The first oil was produced in an old stone shed using a hand-powered press but after investment in pioneering equipment, a mechanised facility was established at Belford in Northumberland and the Oleifera brand was established.

With a tall bottle and stylish looks, the product was taken to farm shops and delicatessens but it soon became apparent that a more practical design was needed and Borderfields was born.

Quickly taken up by supermarkets across the country, the original shareholders soon realised that demand for the product had outstripped their abilities to produce and market on such a scale, and a happy coincidence brought about an introduction to the Phoenix Group.

This was a group of leading Nottinghamshire farming businesses, who were at that time looking to build upon their experience in the growing, packing and distributing of vegetables, by developing the largest cold pressed seed oils facility in the UK. With their shared commitment to quality and common values, it was a match made in oilseed heaven.

http://www.borderfields.co.uk|http://www.borderfields.co.uk

EXISTING PRODUCT RANGE

Borderfields British Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil:
Borderfields Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil is a healthy and tasty alternative to olive oil. It is gently pressed and bottled - keeping it pure and simple. It boasts a perfect balance of omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 and has ten times the omega 3 of olive oil.
Available in 500ml and 250ml bottles

Borderfields Scottish Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil:
Grown in Scotland, made for Scotland and enjoyed by households North of the Border.
Available in 500ml and 250ml bottles

Infused oils:
Borderfields infused oils are perfect for bringing food to life easily with your favourite flavours.
The infused oils range consists of: garlic, basil, chilli, lemon and garlic & ginger stir fry oil.
Available in 250ml Borderfields bottles

Heidi Boden MPRCA
Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1LE
Tel: +44 (0) 191 222 0722

Website: www.admiralpr.com