wicklow rapeseed designed_Layout 1 11/02/2016 10:53 Page 1
Keith Symes with his popular product
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From farm to table
icklow Rapeseed Oil has earned itself a fine reputation since it first hit the store shelves two years ago. Irish Tractor & Agri spoke to its founder Keith Symes to learn all about the brand’s quality and its quick rise to success.
Going out on your own may well have been somewhat risky for many Irish farmers back in 2013, but for Keith Symes the right ingredients to start his own company were there – literally. Since that time, Wicklow Rapeseed Oil has been flourishing to the point where its brand is now a back-to-back A happy heart all the way winner in the from Hawkstown Lower, Co Wicklow much esteemed
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‘Great Taste Awards’ and could well be on its way to supermarket shelves in the United Kingdom in 2016. That’s an impressive blossom in the space of 24 months, which is roughly the amount of time which Keith took to research the market before launching his superb product. “Based on the family farm at Hawkstown Lower, Co Wicklow, we currently employ three staff,” explained Keith. “Basically, we grow Oilseed Rapeseed Rape on the family farm and pay local farmers a premium price for growing oilseed rape. A certain variety of seed is used that thrives in the Garden of Irelands finest soil and produces a flavoursome healthy cooking oil of Extra Virgin standard. Before launching Wicklow Rapeseed Oil, I spent two years researching the market, attending courses and creating a Flavoursome Rapeseed Oil which is light in flavour.”
“Oils are very like wines, the quality and flavour are affected by various parameters from Farm to Table; these include seed variety, climate, soil fertility, drying techniques, seed cleaning, cold pressing seed and oil filtration. We carefully ensure each stage is carried out to achieve 100% satisfaction resulting in a light and nutty flavoursome cooking oil.” Since graduating from agricultural college, Keith has farmed the land which has passed down through generations of
CONTACT DETAILS
Wicklow Rapeseed Oil Address: Hawkstown Lower, Co Wicklow Tel: +353 (0) 404 79574
Web: wicklowrapeseedoil.ie E-mail: info@wicklowrapeseedoil.ie IRISH TRACTOR & AGRI