We have decided to suspend offering the range of Oatly Oat Milks.
The reason for this is that they have recently taken significant investment from the Private Equity Group, Blackstone, who are part owners of Hidrovias do Brazil, and Pátria Investimento, two Brazilian construction companies that are contributing significantly to the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.
Oatly have given their defence, but I personally don't think it stacks up. Taking money from a source that they concede to be not ethically focussed in the hope of demonstrating how profitable ethical ventures can be, and in the hope of changing investor perception - I think that is weak.
The deteriorating state of the environment demands a stronger response, which as a leading sustainable brand they had the opportuity to take. Your thoughts are always welcome.
We offer two good British producers of Oat Milk - Minor Figures & Rude Health, and we hope you will try these out.
If the situation changes, then we can of course re-introduce them.
Thanks for your understanding - your views are always welcome,
Robert & the Farm Direct team.