The Wensleydale Creamery to grow export sales with French retailers

The Wensleydale Creamery, based at Hawes in the centre of the Yorkshire Dales, has struck a deal with French retailers, Carrefour and Auchan, to launch a range of its sliced blended cheeses.

The sliced range, which includes Cheddar with Caramelised Onions, Double Gloucester with Onion & Chives, Hot & Spicy Cheddar, and Cheddar with Cracked Black Pepper, are now available nearly in 200 Carrefour stores across France.

A deal has also been made with Auchan, which will be launching two variants of the sliced blended cheese packs.

Exports to Europe currently account for around 9% of the North Yorkshire company’s export sales, which are on course to grow over 13% this year.

The Wensleydale Creamery has also recently appointed business and product development manager, Phil Jones to support export manager Janette Scarth, to continue to drive growth in new international markets.

David Hartley, managing director at The Wensleydale Creamery, said: “We are thrilled that our range of expertly blended cheese slices are loved across France, particularly as the French are renowned cheese connoisseurs.

“The sliced blended cheeses are flying off the shelves, with sales already up 50% in the short period since launch. We’ve already had interest from other European countries wanting to stock the range and discussions are now underway to develop these sales.

“The quality of British cheese is fast gaining international recognition, with our exports reaching an all-time high as we continue to strengthen our reputation globally as quality cheese-makers. The development of different formats of cheese, such as slices and convenient portion sizes, has made cheese more relevant and accessible to European consumers.”