Oakland International and Urban Farm-It the UK’s foremost distributor of gourmet mushroom grow kits and fresh produce have formed a new partnership.
Our journey in our environmental food park concept model, of which vertical farming and mushroom cultivation was a high priority, needed a partner capable of delivering mushroom growing at our Redditch facility. So with Urban Farm-It’s successful track record for growing the best Lions Mane mushrooms in the industry made them the ideal choice and together, we have launched a retail culinary offer designed to bring sustainable, locally grown gourmet mushrooms and home-growing kits directly to consumers and retailers across the UK.
Strategic Innovation Manager, Luke Attwell explains: “Our purpose extends far beyond logistics. 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.”
Starting initially with the highly sought-after Lion’s Mane mushroom, our collaboration will see a range of locally cultivated gourmet mushrooms available through major UK retailers and food service partners.
The launch comes 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 gourmet mushroom cultivation with Oakland International’s extensive distribution capabilities, the partnership is set to transform how consumers and retailers access fresh, sustainable ingredients.
Elliot Webb, Founder and CEO of Urban Farm-It, shared: “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.”
Urban Farm-It is dedicated to making ‘grow your own’ accessible to everyone by integrating aquaponics, hydroponics, fungi cultivation, and permaculture into everyday routines. The company’s mission is to drive a global shift toward sustainability and self-sufficiency, aiming to transform current food production practices in a positive way.
Consumers can also access to Urban Farm-It’s popular DIY mushroom grow kits via their online shop, making it easier than ever to cultivate nutritious, restaurant-quality mushrooms at home.
Elliot added: “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.”
A Certified B Corporation, Oakland International is a total supply chain solutions provider and an expert in saving food and non-food products from going to waste via our Distress Load Management service.
Oakland’s aim is to be the first business within our sector to reach net zero. As a specialist and leader in direct-to-consumer services, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering, and brand development support for all types of food, we service markets across the UK and Ireland.