Cumbrian cheesemaker targets US and China markets with £250k funding

An artisan cheese maker in Cumbria has received a £250k from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).

The deal, financed by NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, will enable Appleby Creamery to carry out alterations at its newly acquired, larger industrial unit in Appleby-in-Westmorland, a market town in the Eden Valley.

Appleby Creamery will also use the six-figure boost to expand into new international markets, including the US and China.

The company said its facility, once upgraded, will be a state-of-the-art production centre that meets the most demanding food safety standards and supports the delivery of new contracts in the UK and overseas.

Appleby Creamery, which currently employs nine people, has an annual turnover of £500k. That figure is expected to increase on the back of the NPIF funding.

Appleby Creamery was founded in 2008 and acquired in 2015 by the Cows & Co Group.

Appleby Creamery MD and founder Maurice Walton said: “As a growing business we’re faced with the challenges of accessing finance and NPIF has provided us with a platform to make the most of the market opportunities.

“The commitment from Maria and Andy has been integral to us securing this investment.”

He continued: “Our strategy is to focus on domestic growth, while exploring opportunities to trade overseas.

“We are already seeing increased interest from customers in Asia and have started the process of licensing our products for sale in the Chinese market, so it’s an exciting time for us.”

FW Capital investment executive Maria Ramsdale commented: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Stuart and the team at Appleby Creamery.

“They have a great range of products and are exactly the sort of growth company the NPIF debt fund was set up to help. It’s rewarding to work with a company that is committed to driving their business into new territories with positivity and passion for both customer service and quality of product.”

The image above shows (L-R) Stuart MacLennan (Appleby) and Grant Peggie (British Business Bank) with the Creamery’s Maurice Walton, Mark Callander and Pete Crouch, Janet Addison (Cumbria LEP) and Mary Ramsdale (FW Capital).