Built in response to an increased market demand for naturally smoked cheese, the new smoke house will more than double the producer’s current output.
Google Trends data for the last quarter (as of 8 February 2024) saw searches for smoked cheese increase 43% in the UK. The smoked market is worth £54m and has seen a +5% value growth. according to Kantar data.
The new ‘high-care’ environment offers full end-to-end production, providing the creamery with the capacity and ability to increase its range of natural wood smoke flavours, such as Oak, Beech and Hickory.
Growing demand
The new operation can also contract smoke a variety of hard-pressed cheeses in order to cater to growing demand from retail and manufacturing customers.
Sandra Bell, marketing manager at The Wensleydale Creamery, commented: “Our investment in the business’ smoking capabilities marks a major milestone for us. We’re starting to see increased interest and demand for naturally smoked cheese, and as a category it provides real growth potential for our business.
“This investment firmly cements our commitment to innovation in this area, and by more than doubling our capacity allows us to further develop our expertise and grow.”
Based in Hawes in Wensleydale, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Wensleydale Creamery uses traditional methods to handcraft cheese using milk from local farms.
Signature cheese
Its signature Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese is certified with Protected Geographical Indication status (obtained 2013), and is understood to be the first to launch Yorkshire Wensleydale & Cranberries in 1996.
The business supplies a broad range of customers including major UK retailers, wholesalers, independent retailers, delis and farm shops around the UK, as well as the manufacturing and food service sector. It also exports its portfolio of products around the world and has developed a successful e-commerce operation, delivering direct to consumers around the UK.
Meanwhile, in other investment news, non-alcoholic drinks brand L.A Brewery has launched a crowdfunding campaign with the goal of raising between £500k and £1m.
