Celebrating 20 Years of Mellow Yellow
June 12, 2025
Twenty years ago, Mellow Yellow began with a single press, a handful of bottles and a big belief in British cold pressed rapeseed oil. Today, it’s a kitchen staple across the UK, but the heart of what we do remains exactly the same: simple production, sustainable farming and pure, delicious flavour.
What started as a small business idea to diversify the family farm in Northamptonshire, has grown into a national success, with bottles aligning supermarket shelves and serving as the oil of choice in some of Britain’s top restaurants.
Whilst a huge amount has happened in 20 years, one thing has remained unchanged: our commitment to simplicity and excellence using a very simple process of production.
As a brand we’ve always remained steadfast that cold pressed rapeseed oil is very much our homegrown version of imported olive oil. And whilst we believe there is a place for every oil at the table, we are proud to offer an oil that is grown and produced sustainably, that’s carbon neutral, offers great health benefits and huge versatility in the kitchen.
The early days…
Back in 2005, Duncan and his mother produced the very first batch of Mellow Yellow. Armed with the first bottles of oil, Duncan loaded up his battered old Golf car and drove around local shops, securing eight customers—and a speeding ticket in Northampton for his enthusiasm!
One of those early customers, a local butcher, was hesitant at first. But after Duncan explained how Mellow Yellow creates the perfect sear on meat as well as gorgeous golden roast potatoes, he agreed to give it a go. Two weeks later, he called back—he needed more oil. That shop has been a loyal customer ever since.
Whilst Duncan was working on farming, production and sales, Eli was busy in the kitchen testing out recipes and dressings using Mellow Yellow. That same kitchen remains the hub of the brand today; the place where new products emerge and delicious seasonal recipes are founded.
Phenomenal Growth, Same Pure Quality
Mellow Yellow has grown exponentially beyond those first few bottles. What started with one press in a grain store has expanded to 18 presses, a new warehouse, and a 14-person team. In fact, we can now bottle as much oil in a single day as we sold in our entire first year!
Along the way, we’ve won prestigious awards, secured national listings with Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, and even caught the attention of big chefs including Nigella Lawson and Michelin-star chefs, Michel Roux Junior and Adam Gray. A particularly poignant moment was when Sheila Dillion visited the farm to make a Radio 4 Food Programme on cold pressed rapeseed oil, which led to a doubling of sales overnight. Then Duncan received the good news that he was to receive an MBE in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours list for services to Agriculture and the Food & Drink industry.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on 20 years, Duncan says: “We’ve grown beyond what I ever imagined, but one thing has never changed—our commitment to simplicity and excellence. The process of no process is still at the heart of everything we do and I’m forever grateful to the farmers we work with and my team that have worked so hard collectively to make Mellow Yellow the brand it is today.”
As we celebrate this milestone, we want to thank everyone who has supported us—from our loyal customers and brilliant suppliers to our incredible team. Mellow Yellow is ready for the next 20 years, continuing to bring pure, natural products to kitchens everywhere.
Here’s to another two decades of Mellow Yellow magic!
