New partnership brings a boost to the UK gourmet mushroom market
Gourmet mushroom specialist Urban Farm-It has formed a new partnership with logistics and supply chain outfit Oakland International.
The two sides have come together to launch a retail culinary offer designed to bring sustainable, locally grown gourmet mushrooms and home-growing kits directly to consumers and retailers across the UK.
Starting with Lion’s Mane mushrooms, the collaboration will ultimately see a range of locally cultivated gourmet mushrooms made available through major UK retailers and foodservice partners.
The companies say that at a time when demand for plant-based, locally sourced, and sustainable food options is at an all-time high, by combining Urban Farm-It’s expertise in premium mushroom cultivation with Oakland International’s extensive distribution capabilities, the partnership will “transform how consumers and retailers access fresh, sustainable ingredients”.
“Our purpose extends far beyond logistics,” explained Oakland International’s strategic innovation manager Luke Attwell. “By leveraging our extensive logistics network, this new partnership will help to reduce food miles, support local agriculture, and promote sustainable food systems, with both companies sharing a commitment to environmental responsibility and community impact.
“We also have educational initiatives planned to inspire home growing and healthy eating. Oakland is proud to support sustainable food innovation and bring high-quality, locally grown produce to communities across the UK.”
Elliot Webb, founder and CEO of Urban Farm-It, added: “I first connected with the Oakland team while they were seeking a consultant experienced in cultivating the notoriously challenging Lion’s Mane mushroom for a small-scale project. At the same time, I was exploring opportunities to expand our operations into the supermarket sector, so the timing aligned perfectly.
“From my first meeting with Dean Attwell, his son Luke, and the Oakland team, I felt an immediate connection. This laid the foundation for a well-balanced business partnership.
“Urban Farm-It brings expertise in cultivation and is the only mushroom-farming business in Europe operating a vertically integrated model, while Oakland International contributes their extensive network, technical expertise, and scalability. Together, we can manage the entire supply chain from start to finish.”
