Ola Oils is a unique family business founded in 2008, producing cold pressed rapeseed oil on their farm in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. Growing all their seed on the farm, they’re able to closely monitor the process from the sowing of the seed, right through to the finished product – pure rapeseed oil, the idea Scottish alternative to olive oil. A family business through and through, Ola Oils is run by husband and wife John and Connie Sorrie, son and daughter, John and Chloe, and their partners Ellie and James – we heard from them about the establishment of their business and their tips for local business success, as they answered our ‘six questions’.
1.How/why and when did you start your business?
Ola Oils was founded in 2008. We have grown rapeseed on the family farm for many years and decided to diversify to bring a new product to the market. We were the first in Scotland to cold press rapeseed oil. Ola contains half the saturated fat of olive oil and ten times the omega 3. We were excited to be able to produce a local healthy alternative.
2. What advice would you give to someone starting a new business in the sector?
I would say to be prepared to put in a lot of work! Getting a business off the ground is non stop but it is also so rewarding.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and get advice from others in the sector, but also having your own business gives you the opportunity to do things the way you want and make your own decisions. You are your own boss!
3. What motivates you?
It's still exciting to see our products in shops and on the menus in restaurants! We are motivated to see our products increase in popularity. Buying local is so important and we are proud to be contributing to that. Knowing we have converted many people to using a more healthy cooking oil is fantastic.
4. How do you think the food & drinks industry could improve?
Buy local, buy British. Support your local artisan food and drink producers!
5. Is there an individual or organisation, current or in the past, who inspires you?
We are all inspired by our parents who are all honest hard working people.
6. Apart from Greencity, which other three or more people, living or deceased, would you invite to make a dinner party entertaining?
We are family orientated and we enjoy nothing more than having the family together around the dinner table. The children are always guaranteed to make it entertaining!
If you’d like any more information about Ola Oils, you can check out their website at olaoils.co.uk or contact the Greencity Sales Team who are always happy to help.
