The Home Of Cheese; Great Brie-Tain

The Home Of Cheese; Great Brie-Tain

01 August 2016

The UK has moved to the top of the international league table of cheese producers, and since 2014, Britain has been producing 700 different varieties, around 100 more than France. In addition, this year’s International Cheese Awards had 5,000 entrants, and amazingly, more than half of the cheeses originate from Great Britain.

With Britain becoming a hotspot for cheese production, Sainsbury’s continues to spearhead great British cheese, working with over 40 British cheese makers and creameries to create hundreds of different varieties.

Win Merrells, Product Developer and cheese expert commented: “It comes as no surprise to us that Britain is paving the way for cheese. Similar to the terroir of a vineyard, Britain’s varied geology plays a key role, identifying three key milk fields located in Scotland and South West – both known for their cheddars - and the Cheshire plains, famous for its crumbly cheeses, such as Lancashire, Caerphilly and Wensleydale. Each of these provides a unique combination of rich and fertile grass for the dairy cows to graze, producing outstanding cheeses that easily rival those from our European neighbours. 

Here at Sainsbury’s, we’re immensely proud to work closely with a number of artisan cheese makers, alongside the British Cheese Makers Association, to support them to grow their business and ensure we deliver high quality products for our customers to enjoy.”

To celebrate Britain’s place as the top producer of cheese, Sainsbury’s has put together the ultimate Great British Cheese Board, blending both classics with new, modern varieties that took the lead in this year’s awards.

  • Taste the Difference Shropshire Red - also known as Red Fox, this is the most successful new territorial cheese to be developed in the UK for many years. This is exclusive to Sainsbury’s as Shropshire Red, because they worked closely with Belton, the producer on the maturation process and development. Similar to a Red Leicester, it is matured for around 18 months, to develop real depth of flavour with caramel notes and smooth & slightly crunchy texture.
  • Taste the Difference Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar – another Sainsbury’s exclusive, this unique Cheddar by South Caernarfon creameries is matured for a minimum of 14 months, spending at least 3 months down the Llechwedd slate mine, which gives it a unique full long flavour and extra smooth firm texture.
  • By Sainsbury’s West Country Farmhouse Cheddar – made by the multi-award winning dairy at Maryland Farm. These third generation cheese makers have been supplying Sainsbury’s with cheese for around 60 years.
  • By Sainsbury’s Double Gloucester – another multi-award winning classic, this is produced by Taw Valley creameries in the rolling soft hills of North Devon.
  • Taste the Difference Wensleydale – hand crafted from locally sourced milk at the Wensleydale dairy in Hawes, North Yorkshire, the only Wensleydale maker to have PGI status. Historically Wensleydale has been made for over 1,000 years and commercially in Hawes since 1897.
  • Taste the Difference Stilton – produced by Tuxford and Tebbut (established in 1790), this classic Stilton has a deep, mellow flavour with a creamy texture and continues to win many awards each year for its excellent quality.
  • By Sainsbury's Gevrik Goats Cheese – produced by a small North Cornish Dairy, this drum shaped soft mould ripened goat’s milk cheese has a fine, thin coat and soft, silky texture and a rich, slightly nutty finish.
  • Blacksticks Premier Cru - available on the deli counter and bespoke to Sainsbury’s, this is made by Butlers Farmhouse cheese makers, a third generation small artisan dairy near Preston, who continue to innovate with their offering. Made with Channel Island milk, its distinctive white appearance is due to an absence of yellow annatto colouring, usually found in this variety.

Don’t forget to make the most out of your favourite British cheeses with a complementary glass of wine. Wine suggestions include:

To find out more about Sainsbury’s extended range of cheese, visit: www.sainsburys.co.uk