Humber Freeport supports major investment programme by plant-based oils specialist AAK

AAK has received £2m of funding from Humber Freeport to support the first phase of a significant investment programme in Hull.

CHAMBER Member AAK plans to make a substantial investment at its site at King George Dock, at the Port of Hull, to expand production capacity and capability.

The company produces plant-based oils for a range of food markets, supplying bakeries, confectioners, pubs and takeaways, supermarkets and more.

AAK has been based in Hull since 1982, when it was founded as Anglia Oils, and today employs around 300 people in the city.

The business has received £2m of funding through Humber Freeport’s seed capital fund, supporting the first phase of AAK’s investment programme.

The funding will help strengthen AAK's long-term presence in Hull, supporting the site's continued development and future success.

Humber Freeport’s £25m seed capital fund has backed a number of projects and developments across the region, viewed as strategically significant to drive growth, support skilled jobs and broaden supply chain opportunities.

Humber Freeport CEO Simon Green said: “AAK’s investment in Hull is the latest success story for a business which has made a significant contribution to the region’s economy for more than four decades.

“We’re delighted to have contributed, through the Freeport seed capital fund, to an investment which will both create new business opportunities in the Humber, and safeguard existing operations.

“AAK supports a food manufacturing sector which is vital to the Humber’s economic prosperity and future. Our seed capital fund is designed to support the feasibility of projects such as this – stimulating growth, driving new innovation and product development, and promoting sustainability.”

AAK operates one of the UK’s largest plant-based oils refineries in Hull, producing large volumes of vegetable oils for food manufacturers and leading retailers, as well as special nutrition and personal care brands.

The company’s investment in the city will generate a significant additional tonnage of cargo through the Port of Hull each year, enhancing local supply chain opportunities.

The investment is expected to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions intensity at the site by 39 per cent per tonne produced compared with 2025 levels, supporting AAK’s long-term climate ambitions.

Damian Taylor, AAK’s UK Finance Director, said: “The investment in our Hull site represents one of the single largest in AAK’s recent history. It will add significant new strings to our bow and enable us to diversify our plant-based oils range and the markets we supply to.

“We’d like to thank Humber Freeport for its support, through the seed capital fund, and for sharing our vision and ambitions for the Hull site. The funding provided valuable support during the feasibility stage of the project, and has enabled us to move forwards quickly and with confidence.”

In total, Humber Freeport’s seed capital fund has supported seven projects across the region.

Recipients of the funding, allocated to Humber Freeport by the Government, include Hull-based manufacturer Ideal Heating, industry skills training provider CATCH, based in Stallingborough, near Grimsby, and Associated British Ports, to support the delivery of the Helm industrial park at Immingham.

Data compiled by Humber Freeport has shown its £25m seed capital fund will act as a catalyst for more than £170m of private sector funding.

It means for every £1m of freeport funding, private sector partners will commit almost £7m to projects which will create jobs, develop skills and broaden local supply chain opportunities.

The impact of the seed capital fund demonstrates the Freeport’s broadening economic impact across the Humber, through both the investments attracted to its sites and its support of skills and innovation pathways.