News | 11/10/2024

Made in Huntingdonshire: Glebe Farm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glebe Farm is currently the only farm in the UK growing and processing gluten-free oats into porridge flakes, oat flour and their award-winning oat drink range, PureOaty. Run by brother and sister team Rebecca and Philip Rayner, the specialist farm situated in Kings Ripton, just outside Huntingdon, is the premier grower and miller of gluten-free oats throughout Europe. Supplying customers and manufacturers around the world, their field, to farm, to food processes are both meticulously strict, and environmentally conscious. 

 

History and farm transition

The family has been in the oat milling business since 1970. In 2000, after selling food at local farmer’s markets in Huntingdon, Rebecca became aware of a growing demand for gluten-free oats and flour. Identifying a gap in the market and an opportunity for the business, in 2009, Glebe Farm transitioned from an agricultural, ingredients-based business to a wholesale supplier of gluten-free oat-based products. Now employing more than 50 staff, the business has experienced exponential growth over the last 15 years. Their range of porridge, granola and oat milks are now sold in variety of online and in-store outlets including Morrisons, Ocado and Amazon.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The importance of oat purity
Maintaining the purity of their gluten-free oats requires a close eye on the full process from seed to finished product. Keenly aware of their responsibility to those living Coeliac disease or a gluten allergy or intolerance, each step in the process – farming, milling, manufacturing, testing and distribution – is carefully controlled to ensure the products are free of contamination from other grains. This 100% certified gluten-free status is of great significance to people living with coeliac disease, who become seriously ill when they eat gluten. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people in the UK are affected by this autoimmune condition, although with only 36% of people are clinically diagnosed, there are thought to be many more people who would benefit from a gluten-free diet.

Philip Rayner, Founder and Managing Director, Glebe Farm Foods says: “Our gluten free offering is one of our most crucial points of difference when compared to other oat-based food and drink products on UK shelves, and our PureOaty range of oat drinks uniquely carries Coeliac UK’s Crossed Grain symbol”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environment and sustainability

The oats used in Glebe Farm’s products are grown across acres of their own farms and locally within Cambridgeshire. However, the tight-knit local supply chain isn’t limited to the farming of the oats; the production processes also operate within a very small, circular economy.

Following a multi-million investment in a cutting-edge packaging plant, which includes a Tetra Pak filling line, in August 2023 the business was able to further reduce the food miles of their products. Today, PureOaty is the only British oat drink fully produced on a single UK site with oats moving from grain to retail pack in just 150 metres.

 “Achieving probably the smallest carbon footprint on the UK market, demonstrates our dedication to reducing environmental impact in every aspect of our production.”

Operating sustainably is at the heart of Glebe Farm. Philip and Rebecca regularly assess their quality control and productivity processes, to consider how innovation might support their aim to minimise their environmental impact. The farm generates power from solar panels and uses oat residue to create steam for their biomass boilers.

 

Location, visitors, employees and export

The location of Glebe Farm, less than five miles from Huntingdon and near excellent transport links, helps supports easy distribution of their products across the UK. Making use of the existing infrastructure, international export is also easy from their location in Huntingdonshire. There are good onward connections to the markets they serve in Europe, with most of their continental business focused on France and Italy.

Employees tend to be sourced locally, with many enjoying the unique working environment. It’s unusual to work in a location where the farming, manufacturing and distribution all takes place in within walking distance – and of course one that’s surrounded by green spaces.

Alan Loades, Grain Manager at Glebe Farm Foods, says: “There are many things in life that we take for granted, but I often remind myself how fortunate I am that my ‘commute’ is a pleasurable drive through charming Huntingdonshire villages of Upwood, the Raveleys and Kings Ripton, to then spend the day working in the beautiful rural setting of Glebe Farm Foods.”

 

Keen to share their knowledge and best practices with a wide range of people, the farm regularly welcomes visitors. This might include customers, with an interest in their processes and products, or other businesses, eager to learn more about the environmental and sustainability practices the farm has implemented. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Huntingdonshire?

Philip comments: “Our location in Huntingdonshire has been an important factor in the evolution and growth of our business over the past few decades. Our supply chain is entirely local – we don’t work with farmers the length and breadth of the country but instead source partners from the surrounding areas.

This not only helps us minimise our carbon footprint but also helps boost the local economy. As Glebe Farm grows, the local community benefits in employment and boosts’ to local farming.  Plus our customers with intolerances, those who are coeliac, or who just love oat milk are able to live healthier and better lives. And of course, with our nationwide distribution we’re also helping local haulage firms.”

 

Interview with: Matt Calabria
Interview date: 25^th June 2024

 

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