UK oil producer moves into new factory

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The firms produces a range of rapeseed oils, dressings and mayonnaises. Credit: Kentish Oils and Condiments

Kentish Oils and Condiments has moved into its new production facility near Sandwich.

The new factory in Kent has been purpose-built with “state of the art” features and allows the cold-pressed oil producer to increase its capacity. Currently, Kentish Oil and Condiments manufactures a range of range of rapeseed oils, dressings and mayonnaises.

The facility has been designed to the highest specification in order to meet food safety and accreditation standards, while it includes a development kitchen with an expanded range of equipment.

The new equipment will be used for the production of hot fill products such as jams and chutneys, which will allow the firm to expand its current range and to develop own label products for its customers.

The move has come after a period of growth for Kentish Oils and Condiments, during which it secured new contracts with frozen ready meal manufacturer Cook and pies and quiches maker Higgidy Pies.

Manufacturing in the new unit has now started, with the development kitchen set to open from September 2024.

Commenting on the move, the firm’s owner Laura Bounds said “It’s such an exciting time for the business and the new factory marks the next stage in our ambitious growth plans. Our state-of-the-art facilities will allow us to develop further partnerships and collaborate with bigger food manufacturing businesses like Cook and Higgidy pies, along with plenty of our own product development too, which I know our customers have been looking forward to.”

Bounds, who received an MBE for services to international trade in 2022, said that firm produces every bottle by hand in small batches. Each bottle is quality checked and packaged in a SALSA accredited unit in Kent with 100% traceability back to the field where the oilseed rape was grown.

The entire range is Red Tractor certified, guaranteeing the provenance of the oils and condiments from farm to fork.

In other news, the UK Government has been told to double the land used to grow fruit and vegetables in England in order to improve diets and ease the climate and nature crisis.