The Wensleydale Creamery boosts European exports with French deal
THE Wensleydale Creamery has struck a deal with French retailers Carrefour and Auchan to launch a range of its sliced blended cheeses as it builds on its export success in Europe.
The sliced range, is available in around 200 Carrefour stores across France. A deal has also been made with Auchan, which will be launching two variants of the sliced blended cheese packs.
Exports to Europe currently account for around 9% of the company’s export sales, and The Wensleydale Creamery is on course to grow this to over 13% this year.
The company, based at Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is renowned for its traditional cheese-making skills, as well as being recognised for its expertise in the blending of cheese, and innovation with the development of new cheese recipes and pack formats.
David Hartley, managing director at The Wensleydale Creamery, said: “We are thrilled that our range of expertly blended cheese slices are loved across France, particularly as the French are renowned cheese connoisseurs. The sliced blended cheeses are flying off the shelves, with sales already up 50% in the short period since launch.
“We’ve already had interest from other European countries wanting to stock the range and discussions are now underway to develop these sales.
“The quality of British cheese is fast gaining international recognition, with our exports reaching an all-time high as we continue to strengthen our reputation globally as quality cheese-makers. The development of different formats of cheese, such as slices and convenient portion sizes, has made cheese more relevant and accessible to European consumers.”
The Wensleydale Creamery has also recently appointed business and product development manager Phil Jones to support export manager Janette Scarth, to continue to drive growth in new international markets.
