At LittleOak, every person involved in our little company shares a passion for making the world a better place for families and their little ones. While you’ve met some of the LittleOak team, many more individuals and organisations play an important role in ensuring children around the world receive the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. We thought it was time to introduce you to some of the incredible partners who have joined us on this journey, and we are so delighted to kick off our retailer series with a spotlight on our friends at Ritchies.
Our journey with Ritchies holds a special place in our history, as it directly led us to become the world’s first formula brand to use cold-pressed flaxseed oil in our products. When our founder and CEO, Elke, met Jacqui Perrot — a health buyer at Ritchies at the time — Jacqui suggested we replace canola oil with flaxseed oil. This insight inspired the creation of our world-first LittleOak Perrot proprietary blend, which remains a core part of our formula to this day, allowing us to make it as wholesome and natural as possible. We wouldn’t be where we are now without Jacqui’s recommendation, and we’ll always be incredibly grateful to her for encouraging us to improve our product to provide the very best nutrition for little ones around the globe.
Being in stores that families know, love and trust means the absolute world to us. And, from Ritchies’ long history and future goals to their guiding mission, there was one aspect that really stood out to us: they are a family-run company. As a team of parents who care deeply about the wellbeing of children, we, like Ritchies, are guided by a sense of responsibility and care. Our connection to you, our LittleOak mums and dads, is at the heart of everything we do. We couldn’t be prouder to work with an organisation equally as committed to the families they serve.
Can you tell us a bit about Ritchies and its history? What sets you apart?
Founded by Thomas Ritchie in 1870, Ritchies has a rich history spanning over 150 years, making us one of Australia’s oldest supermarket and liquor store chains. Our commitment to providing quality products and friendly service has earned us a loyal customer base. What truly sets us apart is our deep connection with the communities we serve, demonstrated through our ongoing support of local charities and community initiatives.
What drew you to partner with LittleOak?
Partnering with LittleOak was a natural fit for Ritchies. We’re always on the lookout for brands that share our dedication to quality, sustainability, and environment.
LittleOak’s commitment to delivering natural benefits of fresh goat milk and using it in their range of infant formulas and toddler milks and their passion for producing top-quality products aligns perfectly with our values and the expectations of our customers.
What core values define Ritchies, and how do they influence your business practices?
At Ritchies, our core values revolve around community, quality, and integrity. We believe in giving back to the communities that support us, which is why we’re proud to contribute to local charities and initiatives through our Community Benefit Program. Quality is at the heart of everything we do, from the products we stock to the friendliest service we provide. Integrity guides our business practices, ensuring that we operate in a fair, transparent, and responsible manner.
What inspires you?
We’re inspired by the communities we serve and the people who make them special. Every day, we see the impact that a local grocery store can have, not just as a place to shop, but as a hub of connection and support. This sense of community drives us to do better and be better, ensuring that we’re always putting our customers and their needs first.
What does being a family-run company mean to you?
Being a family-run company means that we’re not just a business—we’re a part of the community, just like the families we serve. It means that our decisions are guided by a sense of responsibility and care, not just for the business, but for the people who rely on us. This personal touch is at the core of who we are and influences everything we do, from the way we treat our staff to the way we engage with our customers.
What does the future look like for Ritchies?
The future for Ritchies is bright as we continue to expand our offerings and adapt to the changing needs of our customers. We’re focused on embracing new trends to enhance the shopping experience, all while staying true to our core values. Our commitment to community and quality remains unwavering, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the excellence they’ve come to expect.
LittleOak is available in 35 Ritchie's stores across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland and you can find your closest store here.