Mornflake Oats - The 330 year old super food!
13th April 2012
Categories: News
15 generations of Lea’s have been milling oats in the Cheshire countryside and they are now the longest established miller of oats in the UK. Although the family has been producing oats for hundreds of years it was the Second World War that transformed the company into what it is today.
Philip Lea, father of current Managing Director John Lea, was called back from serving with the RAF to “Feed the Nation.” The UK relied heavily on imports and now had to look to its own land to provide food for its people. Oats were a fantastic healthy food option and something that the British soil could produce in abundance.
With a nation to feed, the Lea family moved their business to a derelict factory in Crewe to cope with the new demands. A new factory was built and as new products and technologies became available the family expanded the business and developed what have become the Mornflake products of today.
Richard Jones of Mornflakes, said: “Having fed our own country we now export to 56 countries worldwide. We have a vast range of products ranging from traditional Oats through to Muesli’s and Granola’s and now our new instant Mornflake Oats2Go Porridge Pots, which is fantastic for convenience.
He continued: “Our Oats remain our most popular product as they are the creamiest around, mainly due to the years of milling experience we have. Consumers are becoming more savvy in what they eat and the health and diet benefits of oats are amazing.”
Mornflakes is steeped in history and the three horse picture that still features on the box today was in fact reproduced from a black and white photo taken in the Second World War. The horses, Flossy, Metal and Bonnie are pulling a binder, an arduous tool and method once used to cut the oats.
Many of the methods used for farming oats have been lost to quicker and more economical methods, however Mornflakes still relies on nature to power its mills. Where water was used to turn the mill stones, wind is now used and Mornflakes has become the proud owner of a wind turbine which powers its mills. Any excess power is fed back into the national grid.
Now recognised as a super food, oats are found in many food products and Mornflake sees oats featuring as part of a healthy diet for many generations to come.
Richard added: “Mornflake’s success is due to its adaptability and being able to change with the times. Looking forward to the next 300 years, we will continue to keep up with changing trends whilst maintaining our healthy credentials as one of the best loved oat brands around!”
Mornflakes and the Lea Family, another of our Taste Cheshire heroes – this one powering us through our day.
