A RURAL venture whose reach stretches from farmers’ markets to sales in London is aiming to triumph in the Small Business of the Year category in The Press Business Awards 2016.

Adam Palmer took over the 134-hectare family farm at Thixendale, near Malton, when he was only 19 and diversified into rapeseed oil production.

Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil, a consumer brand and an independent business from the farm, was launched in 2008 and now has a range of 21 products. The company said the chalky Wolds soil gave its Yorkshire Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil “a distinctive, yet gentle, nutty taste and its low saturated fat content and its high burn point makes it a healthy and versatile alternative to olive oil”.

Lifestyle brand Charlie & Ivy’s was launched in 2014 and is a range of 17 rapeseed oil based gourmet dipping oils, dressings and mayonnaise that are designed for home entertaining and gifting.

“From the outset, we invested in recognisable brands that have a clear identity and latterly we have invested in capital equipment to streamline our processing and provide economies of scale as we have grown,” the company says, adding that its product development programme includes collaborations with fellow artisan producers.

“Although we have grown significantly, we have continued to support farmers’ markets as we appreciate their value to keep us in touch with consumers.

“We have extended our reach into London and are trading very successfully there.”

The company has been invited to work with seed breeders to trial growing and crushing new varieties of rapeseed, and provenance and traceability is a major factor in the success of the brand.