(An Interview with Jonathan, Robin Appel Grain Merchants)
At Framptons, we believe that the journey of our oat drinks begins long before they reach our processing facility – it starts with the dedication of local farmers, like Jonathan from Robin Appel Grain Merchants, who are as committed to sustainability and quality as we are. In this interview, Jonathan talks about the powerful collaboration between farmers and Framptons, and how we’re driving a more sustainable future for British agriculture.
A Collaboration Rooted in Local Farming
Q: What’s it like working with Framptons, particularly on their Wessex Oat range?
Jonathan: Working with Framptons is fantastic. It’s a true collaboration. We supply locally grown oat groats to Framptons, and they process them just 25 miles down the road from our facility. It’s a unique partnership that ties together British farmers and the plant-based drinks industry, ensuring that the oats used in Framptons’ products are grown, harvested, and processed right here in the Wessex region.
Shared Values: Sustainability and Local Sourcing
Q: Why is it important for you to be part of a supply chain that values sustainability and local sourcing?
Jonathan: It’s absolutely critical for the success of British agriculture and local farmers like us. Sustainability and local sourcing go hand-in-hand. With Framptons, we’re not just supplying oats – we’re part of a fully traceable, low food-mile supply chain that directly supports the environment. Oats themselves lend to this sustainability, as they thrive in a low-input, regenerative farming environment. Working with Framptons allows us to bring the best of British farming to consumers while also reducing our environmental impact.
Quality from the Ground Up
Q: How do you ensure that the oats you grow and source meet Framptons’ high standards?
Jonathan: It starts with growing the right varieties and working with the best farmers in the UK. We test every batch of oats multiple times – before they leave the farm, when they arrive at our processing facility, and before they are sent to Framptons. This ensures we meet Framptons’ strict quality parameters. It’s a thorough process that guarantees only the best oats are used in their products, and it’s all about providing a product that’s fully traceable from seed to sip.
What Consumers Need to Know
Q: What do you think consumers should know about the journey of Wessex Oats from farm to fridge?
Jonathan: Consumers want to know where their food comes from, and they should know that Wessex Oats are fully traceable and sustainably grown right here in the UK. Most oat drinks are imported from Europe, but this collaboration between us and Framptons is different. We’re working with locally grown oats, and that’s something consumers can feel good about. It’s a story of British farming, sustainability, and a product that has significantly lower food miles than most of the competition.
At Framptons, we’re proud to work with trusted partners like Robin Appel to bring fully traceable, sustainably grown British oats to the plant-based drinks market. By keeping our supply chain local, we’re supporting UK farmers, reducing food miles, and delivering quality products that consumers can trust.
To learn more about our approach or discuss potential collaborations, contact James Mills at james.mills@framptons.ltd.uk.
