HRH The Princess Royal welcomed to Mornflake in Crewe

Mornflake, famed for its breakfast products worldwide, welcomed a Royal visitor marking a milestone anniversary and the launch of a new ‘Oat Milling Centre of Excellence’ at its Crewe headquarters.

The family firm, home to British Mighty Oats, played host to HRH The Princess Royal as it celebrates 350 years of milling and a state-of-the-art facility supporting its commitment to sustainability.

The Princess unveiled a plaque officially opening ‘The Oat Milling Centre of Excellence’ – a new build to bolster the company’s move to sustainable packaging across the bulk of its product range.

The Royal guest heard about the history of Mornflake which is Britain’s fourth oldest family-owned company, spanning 15 generations of the Lea family starting with William Lea who began milling oats in Swettenham in 1675 – nine years after the Great Fire of London.

Today it’s an ambassador for Crewe of global renown with products reaching breakfast tables in 80 different countries including across Asia, Africa, and even the Caribbean.

Mornflake is a fierce ambassador for British agriculture and the Princess, well-known for her interest in rural affairs, heard how it supports the livelihoods of over 200 British farmers contracted to grow its oats.

Her Royal Highness, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Redmond MBE, was greeted by Mr John Lea and his sons, James and Edward and their children.

Managing director James said: “This is a very special year for us, celebrating 350 years of the family milling business.

“We’ve marked it in many ways from donations to community organisations to planting trees and a big party for staff, family and friends at Crewe Alexandra FC.

“The visit from HRH The Princess Royal was of course the icing on the cake. She was genuinely interested in what we do and our passion for delivering a quality breakfast to millions of people worldwide.”

Mornflake is Crewe’s oldest employer with a workforce of more than 300, including many long-serving employees and family members who have joined the business in different roles.

A few years ago it underwent a rebrand hailing Crewe home to ‘Mornflake Mighty Oats’ and opened up an Innovation Centre where the ingredients for tasty new lines are blended.

Throughout, there’s a big commitment to sustainability. The company has managed to reduce its energy and water consumption by over 20% since 2015 by using wind turbine technology and solar panels.

Mornflake also uses only certified, sustainable palm oil, ensuring responsible production and protecting rainforests.

James added: “Innovation is key and we strive to bring new flavours and textures to cereal-lovers who appreciate our unstinting dedication to quality and remain loyal to the brand.

“Our heritage means a lot but likewise it’s important to move with the times and really focus on the future. Our new Oat Milling Centre of Excellence will strengthen our green credentials and provide a platform for innovation.”

The Princess was presented with posies by the Lea family grandchildren before being taken by helicopter to Mornflake’s sister company, animal feed specialists HJ Lea Oakes in Malpas.

There, the keen horsewoman, heard about the processes involved in making horse feed, sold under the brand name Dodson and Horrell, and unveiled a plaque officially opening a new Equine Centre of Excellence.

HJ Lea Oakes, also celebrating 350 years, works closely with Mornflake to ensure nothing gets wasted.

The breakfast firm sends the by-product from its oat milling process to animal feed supporting low carbon footprint raw materials.