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The UK has moved to the top of the international league table of cheese producers, according to Sainsbury’s.
The supermarket chain claims that since 2014, Britain has been producing 700 different varieties – around 100 more than France.
Sainsbury’s says it ‘continues to spearhead great British cheese’, by working with over 40 British cheese makers and creameries to create hundreds of different varieties.
The grocery multiple’s product developer and cheese expert Win Merrells 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 the 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 cheesemakers, alongside The Specialist Cheesemakers Association, to support them to grow their businesses 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 Great British Cheese Board, blending classics with new varieties.
The collection includes Taste the Difference Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar (pictured). This Sainsbury’s exclusive is a unique Cheddar by South Caernarfon creameries that is matured for a minimum of 14 months – spending at least three months down the Llechwedd slate mine, which gives it a unique full long flavour and extra smooth firm texture.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar
