Acquisition enables cheese maker to overcome crippling Brexit costs

A cheese company will be able to increase sales in Europe following its acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, by a rival North West business.

Macclesfield-based Cheshire Cheese Company (CCC) had been hit by increased admin costs due to the implementation of Brexit

Following its takeover by Nantwich-based Joseph Heler, it will be able to avoid costly export levies by using Heler’s existing EU production facilities to fulfil orders, without facing increased fees or order returns.

CCC, founded in 2010 to produce cheddar and Cheshire cheese waxed truckles in innovative, unique flavours, will become one of Heler’s flagship consumer-facing brands, alongside its low calorie, low fat and high protein cheese, Eatlean.

Joseph Heler has operations across central Europe, which will re-open markets to CCC that Brexit made unviable.

Simon Spurrell, managing director of the Cheshire Cheese Company, said: “This strategic alliance has come at a very important time for the business.

“Post-Brexit legislation meant our plans to operate in mainland Europe were halted – this arrangement will see us able to grow with increased production and fulfilment capacity and a worldwide reach.”

CCC co-founder, Mr Spurrell, will retain a stake in the business and remains as managing director to steer the company forward. All of its head office, production and warehouse staff will be retained while 14 extra full and part time jobs will be created on the back of this acquisition.

George Heler, group managing director of Joseph Heler, said: “Cheshire Cheese Company has a fantastic product and has worked hard to grow a loyal following across the UK.

“Cheshire Cheese Company’s wealth of experience and expertise will provide plentiful synergies which is very exciting. Together, we’re confident we can extend its reach across the UK and Europe.”

CCC has seen 400% growth in revenues since 2019, making it one of the largest online cheese retailers in the UK.