Somerset premium cheesemaker named one of the best in the UK
Premium cheesemaker Wyke Farms were honoured at this year’s prestigious Food & Drink Federation (FDF) Awards, which celebrate the excellence, innovation and talent of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector - the Food & Drink industry. The UK’s largest independent cheesemaker Wyke Farms scooped the Environmental Leadership Award.
As a progressive cheesemaker, renowned for the quality of its cheddar and following the launch of its flagship Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar and Farmhouse Butter as the world’s first carbon neutral dairy brand, Wyke Farms has led the way across the dairy sector in creating a sustainable working farm where all electricity and gas are self-sourced from biogas and solar (generated from farm and dairy waste which has no other value).
The working model has the capacity to be scaled up and make a ‘once in a lifetime’ industry change. Wyke’s commitment to look after the land and community is reflected in its staff retention with over 33% being employed for more than a decade and 89% remaining with them for more than five years.
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Contracted milk suppliers are an integral part of the business with many farmer suppliers working with them for over 40 years. Richard Clothier, Managing Director of Wyke Farms said: “Our goal has always been to innovate and lead the way in the dairy sectors as a family-owned business that is highly agile with sustainability enshrined in our core values.
“We work tirelessly to ensure this vision is achieved. The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”Two leading food manufacturers in the South-West have been honoured at this year’s prestigious Food & Drink Federation (FDF) Awards.