Robin Appel expands production with six-figure loan from HSBC

Robin Appel, a grain merchant based in Hampshire, has expanded its production facilities thanks to a six-figure loan from HSBC UK.

The Equipment Finance Facility enables the independent business to develop its production capabilities to include an oat processing line at their Shepton Mallet factory, to help cater for the rising demand in oat-based products.

Tom Wood, Trading Director of Robin Appel Ltd, said: “It’s no secret that the demand for dairy substitutes such as oat milk has soared in recent years – UK sales of plant milks have jumped 16% to £278m in the past year according to data from Nielsen. This includes oat milk sales, which have more than doubled to £73m.

“As an established grain merchant, this gave us a great opportunity to diversify our business. By working with the HSBC UK Equipment Finance team we’ve been able to purchase the right equipment to take our business to the next stage. This has allowed us to add value to raw materials and also provide growers with additional market options for their oats.”

Simon France, Deputy Head Corporate Equipment Finance for HSBC UK Equipment Finance, added: “The team at Robin Appel spotted an opportunity for their business to grow at an opportune moment. It’s been fantastic to enable them to grow and develop in a booming market and we look forward to being an ongoing part of their business success story.”