A small, locally owned operation based at Raphoe has, in a very short period of time, become established as a successful producer with a nationally recognised brand.
Donegal Rapeseed Oil Company (www.donegalrapeseedoilco.com), was set up by Austin Duignan and Stephen Allen in 2009 to produce Donegal Virgin Rapeseed Oil for culinary use. They work with a number of individual small farms in Donegal and Northern Ireland, and have selective distribution in place in much of the country – so, with strong market demand established, the enterprise, which is a Good Food Ireland member, is already enjoying success.
Perhaps wisely - as many otherwise enthusiastic consumers don’t feel that rapeseed oil is always a suitable substitute for olive oil, eg in salads - Donegal Rapeseed Oil is promoted as a cooking oil, and its well balanced flavour has received plenty of independent recognition, including an impressive two star gold award at the Great Taste Awards in 2012.
