Thixendale Rapeseed Oil Wins Podium Place in National Best Brands Survey

It’s not every day that a local, family-run business goes up against the big names from all over the country and comes out near the top. But that’s exactly what’s happened for one North Yorkshire company. The team at Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil is celebrating a huge achievement after their signature oil was voted one of the best in the entire UK, proving that great things often come from small places.

The award

Imagine a massive taste test for all the fancy foods you see in special shops. The kind of competition where the people voting are the ones who own those brilliant little delis and farm shops. They know what’s good because they sell it every day. That’s pretty much what the Guild of Fine Food’s Best Brands Survey is all about. It’s an annual poll, and for 2025-2026, the results have just been announced in a publication called Fine Food Digest. This survey is a big deal because it showcases the best-selling and, more importantly, the best-tasting products available from independent retailers up and down the country. Getting a mention here means a product isn't just popular; it's genuinely loved by food experts and their loyal customers.

For a family business from Thixendale to get noticed in such a prestigious survey is fantastic news for Yorkshire. The team behind the brand has worked for years to perfect their products, and this award shows all that hard work has paid off. It’s a real seal of approval from the people who matter most – the experts who stock their shelves with the finest food and drink. More than just a piece of paper, this award is a testament to quality and the power of local production. The detailed information gathered for the survey helps shape what people will be buying next year.

A surprise win that’s not so surprising

In the highly competitive ‘Oils and Vinegars’ category, Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil’s flagship product, its Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Rapeseed Oil, scooped second place. To put that in perspective, that’s like a local football team almost winning the FA Cup. The judges were so impressed that they gave the company a special shout-out. They commented: “Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil deserves a special mention, especially as until last year, no rapeseed oil producer had even figured in the top five sellers in this survey category.” This shows that the popularity of high-quality rapeseed oil is growing fast, and this Yorkshire brand is leading the charge.

Adam Palmer, who co-founded the family business, was over the moon with the result. He said: “We're incredibly proud to have a Yorkshire win in this prestigious survey and would like to thank all our loyal customers who have helped us to achieve this.”

It’s clear that the team spirit is strong. Adam Palmer also added: “Also, a big shout out to our fantastic team who passionately produce our award winning cold pressed rapeseed oil, which goes into each and every product made by us on the farm in the heart of Yorkshire.” This kind of recognition doesn't happen by accident; it’s the result of a dedicated team and fantastic products.

From the Yorkshire Wolds to the nation's tables

The story of Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil is a classic tale of a great idea born on a family farm. The family business was started back in 2008 by Adam Palmer and his wife, Jennie. They wanted to create a brilliant, healthy, and local alternative to other cooking oils. From their farm in the scenic Yorkshire Wolds, they began producing their own rapeseed oil. The entire process is kept close to home. The rape is grown right there on their land and in the surrounding Yorkshire Wolds, ensuring they know exactly where their main ingredient comes from. Then, it’s all blended and bottled on the family farm.

This isn't the first time their hard work has been recognised. Their rapeseed oil has already won the prestigious Great Taste Two Gold Star Award, which is like the Oscars for food. This latest accolade from the Best Brands Survey, announced on February 2, 2026, just adds another trophy to their cabinet. It shows a consistent level of quality that customers can rely on, whether they are buying from farm shops or clicking to order online. This dedication is what turns a small venture into a nationally recognised brand. The journey from a simple idea to an award-winning range of products is a source of local pride.

So what makes this oil so special?

You might be wondering what "cold pressed" even means. Well, think of it like this: instead of using lots of heat to get the oil out of the seeds, which can damage the flavour and nutrients, the seeds are gently pressed. This method keeps all the natural, nutty goodness of the rapeseed locked in. The result is a vibrant, golden oil that’s amazing for cooking. It’s brilliant for roasting potatoes to get them extra crispy, frying, and even for making dressings and dips. It's one of those brilliant kitchen staples that, once you start using, you wonder how you managed without.

But the business doesn't just stop at oils. Based on their award-winning cold pressed extra virgin rapeseed oil, they also produce a whole range of other delicious products. This includes dressings to make your salads sing and mayonnaise that's miles better than the stuff in squeezy bottles. All these products are made with the same care and attention on their family farm in Thixendale, using their fantastic oil as the star ingredient.

Where to get your hands on it

After hearing all of this, you’re probably keen to try it. The good news is that it’s easy to find these fantastic Yorkshire products. Whether you prefer shopping from the comfort of your sofa or browsing in person, there are plenty of options:

• Online: The full range of oils, dressings, and other products is available to buy from their website, with delivery across the country.

• Farm Shops and Delis: Supporting local is easy, as the brand is stocked in many brilliant farm shops and delis throughout Yorkshire.

• Independent Retailers: Many independent retailers who are passionate about good food stock these award-winning oils.

• Food Festivals: Keep an eye out for the Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil team at various food festivals, where you can often try before you buy and have a chat with the makers.

For more specific information on stockists or the products themselves, the company’s website is the best place to look. Getting a podium place in the national Best Brands Survey is a huge win for this brilliant Yorkshire family business.