Supermarket contract for historic Yorkshire cheese

ARTISAN cheesemaker Shepherds Purse has secured a national listing with Waitrose for Olde York – its award-winning premium ewe’s milk cheese.

The cheese, which is traditionally hand-made using an old French method  adopted by York monks in the 18th Century, will be stocked in more than 180 stores on the deli counter from mid May.

Olde York is being introduced into the Waitrose range as a feature cheese to highlight the quality of sheep’s milk products.

Thirsk-based Shepherds Purse is committed to championing and supporting the British milk industry and uses only the best of British ewe’s milk sourced locally for its cheeses.

Judy Bell, chief executive of Shepherds Purse Cheeses, said: “Olde York was originally launched in 1988 but had to be discontinued more than a decade later due to a lack of availability of sheep’s milk.

“We reintroduced the cheese in 2004 and are delighted to have now secured a national listing with premium retailer Waitrose. We are certain it will be a favourite among discerning shoppers.”

Chloe Graves, buyer service counter cheese for Waitrose, added: “We believe we have found a real winner in Olde York, a fabulous top quality sheep’s milk cheese handmade on the Bell family dairy in North Yorkshire and we know our customers will love it’s fresh, creamy flavour, as well as the story behind it.”