Pressing Matters: The Story of Our Two New Presses

by , March 24,

Qifeng is dedicated to exporting quality products worldwide, tailoring to various industries. Our objective remains clear: to deliver better, high value-added products to our customers. Together, let's forge a brighter future.

Increased Production Capacity

Over the past few months, we have significantly boosted our production capacity from 520,000 liters per year to an impressive 1,700,000 liters. This remarkable expansion allows us to produce three times more oil daily, made possible by two fortunate acquisitions.

The Demand for Hillfarm Oil

The demand for Hillfarm Oil has surged in recent years. Despite operating continuously, our single press was insufficient to meet the rising needs. Hence, last year marked the decision to augment our operations by adding more presses to our solar-powered production barn.

Our First Stroke of Luck

Initially, we expected a lengthy search for a machine that could meet our requirements. However, at the end of last year, we verily received an unexpected opportunity for a seed oil press. This particular machine, although six years old, had never been opened from its original wooden packing crate. It turned out to be a purchase made by an electricity-generating company intending to use the press for oil production in case of global emergencies. Their plans to utilize rapeseed oil for power generation did not materialize, leading them to offer us the press. Upon arrival, we were thrilled to discover a top-notch German-built press in pristine condition inside the crate.

Continuing Fortunes

Shortly thereafter, a farming business in Kent reached out to us regarding their dormant rapeseed oil pressing plant, which they had invested in years ago for their off-grid operations. With the removal of government subsidies, they no longer utilized the press and sought to sell it entirely. After a visit, everything was loaded onto a 40-foot lorry, just before the onset of the April lockdown.

These two presses turned out to be the perfect project for our engineers during the lockdown. They dedicated themselves to cleaning and installing the machinery within our solar-powered production barn.

How Our Presses Operate

Our production employs screw presses, where rapeseed seeds enter from one end of a screw encased in housing featuring small holes. As the screw turns, it compresses the seeds and forces them towards the end, allowing oil to escape through the holes created in the housing. This process generates significant pressure that gently releases oil, which we appropriately describe as "cold squeezed."

The extracted oil collects in a tank below. Initially, it contains sediments, so we filter it to ensure purity before bottling and dispatching to our customers. The leftover meal from the pressing process is also repurposed as nutritious animal feed, reflecting our commitment to waste reduction at Hillfarm.

What Makes Hillfarm Oil Extraordinary?

Our cold pressing method is completely devoid of chemicals or additives. This natural extraction process preserves the vital nutrients and flavors in our carefully selected varieties of rapeseed. Since our oil is extracted solely from the first press without the use of heat, it is classified as "extra virgin" and "cold pressed." This versatility makes it perfect for a wide range of culinary applications—from dressing and dipping to frying, roasting, and baking. Hillfarm oil is indeed the essential oil for chefs and home cooks alike!