Move over UHT, it's time get fresh!
Oato is a proudly British brand, passionate about producing great-tasting, plant-based alternatives to dairy. From modest beginnings in North-West Lancashire, the company has grown steadily to become a familiar name on doorsteps and in independent shops across the UK. At the heart of Oato is a commitment to sustainability, quality, and community.
At Oato, sustainability is more than a buzzword; it’s a core part of how we work. We’re focused on reducing our environmental impact while supporting traditional British industries. From sourcing high-quality British oats to working with local milk rounds, our supply chain supports local communities and helps cut down on unnecessary food miles.
The entire process, from oat to bottle, takes place within the UK. This approach ensures not only freshness and accountability, but also lower carbon emissions compared to imported ingredients and overseas transport. For doorstep deliveries, we use glass bottles designed to be reused again and again. For supermarkets, our recycled poly plastic bottles can be reused multiple times and are fully recyclable at the end of their life.
We believe choosing a plant-based lifestyle shouldn’t mean compromising on taste, convenience, or conscience. Our products are designed to offer all three.
Oato was founded in 2019 by Carl Hopwood, who saw a gap in the market for a fresh, barista-quality oat milk made here in the UK. After countless experiments in his kitchen, he created a product that met his standards for flavour, consistency, and sustainability.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, especially among independent cafes and eco-conscious consumers. To keep up with demand, Oato scaled up production and joined forces with Milk & More, one of the UK’s leading doorstep delivery services.
By 2021, Oato reached a key milestone with one million bottles sold. This achievement was followed by the move to a new solar-powered facility in Preston in 2022, boosting capacity and further aligning the business with its environmental goals.
In 2023, we expanded our range with chocolate and strawberry oat milk, giving customers more choice while staying true to our values. The following year, Oato secured its first national supermarket listing with Waitrose, making the brand more accessible than ever.
We design every part of our process to minimise waste, support communities, and protect the environment. By using a glass bottle return system through local milk rounds, we keep packaging in circulation and reduce landfill waste. Our supermarket bottles, made from recycled poly plastic, are durable, reusable, and recyclable.
Our solar-powered facility in Preston is just one example of how we prioritise renewable energy and efficient production. We continue to look for new ways to lower emissions, reduce water usage, and create a supply chain that benefits everyone involved.
Oato is more than just oat milk. It’s a growing community of people who care about what they consume and how it affects the world around them.
Whether you’re a café looking for a reliable oat milk supplier, a household making sustainable swaps, or a retailer ready to offer something new, we’d love to work with you.
Join us in building a more sustainable and delicious future, one bottle at a time.
As we expanded our fleet, we wanted a vehicle wrap that would truly stand out and reflect the quality of the Oato brand. Poppy Signs delivered exactly that, transforming our box truck with bold, full-colour graphics that cover every surface, from the sides to the cab.
The attention to detail, quality of the finish, and smooth installation process made this project a great experience from start to finish. The new wrap has already turned heads and made a real impact out on the road.
We really appreciate the great work and look forward to future projects together.
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Poppy Signs is proud to announce the arrival .
Shop signage is one of the most visible and v.
Photo by Tiger Lily on Pexels Moving home is.
Strict planning laws regulate the use of sign.
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