The Story of Donegal Rapeseed Oil.
We are a locally owned and operated company, specialising in the manufacture of 100% pure cold pressed rapeseed oil. Our location, with its unique soil, wild Atlantic winds and harsh weather conditions make our oils different, with the colder climate slowing the seed maturing in the pod, giving a fuller and unique flavour to every bottle of Donegal Rapeseed Oil. After harvesting, the seed is transported to our plant and freshly pressed daily, to retain an even higher percentage of Omega 3, 6 and Vitamin E. This cold pressed oil, with no additives or preservatives, brings the wonderful natural taste of Donegal straight to your kitchen.
Where it all began….
Managing Director, Austin Duignan, read an article in the Irish Farmers Journal about the need for a good press and quality rapeseed in the domestic market. He researched the market and discovered that virtually all cooking oil used in Ireland was actually imported. Austin knew that Irish farmers could successfully grow oil seed rape as a result of soil tests that he had been undertaking, so he arranged to have specially selected culinary varieties grown and tested. Once the success of the crop had been proven, he then set out to convince the local farmers to grow these culinary varieties.
Austin teamed up with a local farmer, Stephen Allen, who is Processing Manager taking charge of cold pressing the seed and bottling the oil. We now have 20 people employed in the processing and marketing of the full range of oils in a plant that is operating to the highest standard of BRC Standard Grade A+.