Resurgence in natural fats sees launch of regional butter

Concern

Covid-19 saw the company’s visitors centre at Hawes, which attracts more than 350,000 visitors annually, close, with the decline in deli-counters causing further concern for the business.

“Luckily, we had already made the decision to sell our Yorkshire Creamery cheeses and butter pre-packed, so they were able to be sold on retailer shelves,” Ms Bell said.

“Milk collections and cheesemaking also continued regardless of the pandemic, and we are pleased the butter has had such a strong reception two months in.

“In fact, there was a nationwide butter shortage due to the spike in home-baking at one point, which may have helped our sales performance.

“Our mail order service has also had phenomenal growth since people could not visit the centre during lockdown to purchase our products. Our online deli experience has seen more than 100 orders a day processed and we have the infrastructure in place to continue this service post-lockdown.”

The Yorkshire Creamery cheeses are available to purchase in northern stores of Morrisons, Booths, Tesco, Waitrose and Co-op.

The butter, which retails at £2.25 for a 250g block, is available in regional stores (Yorkshire and the Humber) of Tesco and Waitrose (northern), from their online deli wensleydale.co.uk.

It is hoped Asda will stock the Yorkshire Creamery cheeses and butter later this year.

Ms Bell said: “It is important for us to make our brand work in the heartland and manage its growth in line with our production aspirations.

“We have included our farmers in all aspects of communication and brand growth and they are incredibly proud to see their milk go into finish products on the shelves for people to enjoy.”