Thirsk cheesemaker in fine fettle
THIRSK-based artisan cheesemaker Shepherds Purse has seen sales of its popular ewe’s milk cheese soar by a staggering 900%, according to new figures from supermarket Waitrose.
Fine Fettle Yorkshire Cheese, which is traditionally handmade at the North Yorkshire dairy using locally sourced ewe’s milk, is proving a real hit with Waitrose customers.
The company has also seen combined sales of cheese made with sheep and goat’s shoot up by more than 30% meaning that they are now selling faster than their cow’s milk varieties.
Chloe Graves, service counter cheese buyer, Waitrose said: “We’re seeing a clear preference emerging where alternatives to cow’s milk products are now out selling the traditional favourites.
“As well as being delicious and a bit different, sheep and goat’s milk cheeses are also thought to be suitable for people with lactose and dairy intolerances. This could be more than a passing trend as consumers are increasingly receptive to a wider palate of tastes and becoming more adventurous.”
John Kerwin, sales director at Shepherds Purse Cheeses said: “We know that more British shoppers want to buy local food and the latte effect – local, authentic, traceable, trusted and ethical – is certainly reflected in this enormous uplift in sales of our popular ewe’s milk cheese, which came to notoriety following our battle with the EU to retain our Yorkshire Feta name.”
He added: “We are absolutely delighted that Waitrose shoppers are enjoying our quality cheeses and supporting local producers.”
