The manufacturer, which is based in Longridge, Lancashire, has extended the reach of its Parlick cheese, having previously landed deals with Sainsbury’s, Booths and other wholesalers and independents across the country. The latest deal brings it into Morrisons’s deli zones in 384 stores.
Reportedly the largest maker of sheep’s milk cheese in the UK, Singletons produces 60 tonnes of the cheese each year. The cheesemaker has also seen international success, with its Forest of Bowland Cheddar appearing in Trader Joe’s stores in the US earlier this year.
Supporting the industry
Jak Blanthorn, UK account manager at Singletons said: “It’s a fantastic product and with people being more focused on health, sheep’s milk products have seen considerable growth. We will do all that we can to support this industry.”
Singletons sources its milk from Stott & Sons – a family run farm hit heavily during the coronavirus pandemic, which saw two nationwide lockdowns. The second lockdown, from 5 November to 2 December, coincided with an extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Threat to sheep milk
Simon Stott, co-owner of Stott & Sons co-owner and chair of industry body Sheep Milk UK Simon Stott added: “We lost 15 out of 22 customers during the pandemic and were faced with the possibility of having to stop milking our ewes for good.
“Singletons & Morrisons swung into action to support the British sheep’s milk industry and for that we are grateful. Whilst the future of British sheep’s milk is still unsure this does give us a lifeline to rebuild.”
Meanwhile, food ingredients group HMS – the independently-owned parent company of food ingredients distributor Kent Foods – has acquired cheese cutter and packer Tom Walker & Sons for an undisclosed sum.
