A WHOLEFOOD company that helps disabled adults receive a true learning experience has celebrated 25 years in business.

Oxford Wholefoods was established in 1990 with the aim of providing disabled people with work and boosting their self-confidence.

The company, which specialises in packing and distributing staple foods including beans, pulses, dried fruit, nuts, rice and breakfast cereals, supplies more than 100 shops, including Midcounties Co-op stores.

Oxford Wholefoods directors Gay Scambler and Rob Perry said the anniversary milestone was a massive achievement. The not-for-profit company began life at The Slade Hospital in Headington, after senior occupational therapist Arthur Harrison visited a village shop in Cholesbury, Buckinghamshire.

He saw someone weighing and sorting food and thought it could be a therapeutic occupation for someone with learning disabilities.

The project quickly started in the hospital kitchen, with just three trainees. It then moved to the Osney Mead industrial estate in West Oxford in 1995.

Mr Perry said: “When we moved to this building in Osney Mead, we suddenly had to stand on our own two feet. I don’t think anyone envisaged we would be here 20 years later.”

Now, the company, which has three delivery drivers, four supervisors and the two directors, employs 28 disabled people, with three still working for the firm after 21 years.

When asked about plans for the next 25 years, Mr Perry said he and Mrs Scambler would continue to operate exactly the same as over the past 25 years.

He said: “Because of the way we do things, change is not brilliant.

“The reason we are successful is because everything works as it is.

“There is no machinery here. Everything is done by hand.

“We will also continue to trade with Co-op supermarkets and local retailers too.

“Since 1995 we have not looked back we but we have had many challenges over the years.

“At Wholefoods, we see the ability and not the disability.”

Mr Perry said the challenges the company had faced over the years were the same as any other business.

He said: “We need to make sure we are doing things properly. People don’t just buy our stuff because of who we are.”

Today, customers, suppliers and staff will be gathering at the Osney Mead site to celebrate the anniversary with a glass of bubbly.

Mr Perry and Mrs Scambler will also be handing out some fun awards.