Cheddar maker to abandon cheese business due to rising price of milk and supermarket competition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of Britain’s best-known cheddar makers has ceased production because of the rising price of milk and increased competition between supermarkets.
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, produced by Denhay Farms since 1959, is stocked by Waitrose, Morrisons and Tesco, as well as many independent retailers. But Jim Loescher, the firm’s managing director, said increasing milk costs and “deep-cut promotional offers” in supermarkets were behind the decision.
Monday was the last day of cheese production at Denhay Farms, but it will continue to sell a two-year stockpile of cheddar that is now maturing.
Between 2011 and 2012, gross profit margins for mature cheddar fell from 22 per cent to 17 per cent. In the same period, the cost of milk production rose by 11.6 per cent.
Mr Loescher said the team will now focus on farming activities and its bacon and sausage business.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments