Somerset, UK – 19^th August 2010 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, was the recipient of numerous accolades at this years Mid-Somerset Show.  The Bruton based company were announced as winners of two of the main awards form the show; both the ‘Kenneth Hill Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Reserve Champion Cheese’  and the ‘Reg Dyke Memorial Perpetual Challenge Cup for the overall Winner of County Classes’ was awarded to Wyke Farms.

In addition, Wyke Farms were also announced as best in class in the Mild, Mature and Extra Mature Cheddar classes, as well as the ‘Householders Choice’ and the ‘Single Organic’ cheese classes. Click here for a full list of winners

This latest run of awards makes 2010 the most celebrated year yet for Wyke Farms and serves as further recognition as the Best-Selling Farmhouse Cheddar Brand in the UK, as recently reported by the Kantar World Panel.[1] Known for their unique provenance and the superior quality of their products, Wyke Farms has maintained the art of traditional cheese-making on their Somerset farm, where the Clothier family have been making traditional farmhouse cheddar to their original secret recipe since 1902.

The 100 years of tradition at Wyke Farms have long since been matched by over 100 trophies, awards and prizes won by the company at national cheese shows. From an original 3,000 plus, Wyke Farms is now one of less than 20 farmhouse cheese makers remaining in the West Country and the only independent dairy company within the top 10 cheddar brands in the UK. With a family history dating back for more than a century, the company’s mild, mature, extra mature and vintage cheddars are sold throughout Europe in over 25,000 retailers.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.

Somerset, UK – July 21^st 2010 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, was the recipient of numerous accolades at this years Royal Welsh Show.  The Somerset based company were awarded with ‘Gold’ awards in the Mild Cheddar and the Red Leicester categories, ‘Silver’ for their Village Oak Cheddar in the ‘Export Class’ and both the salted and unsalted Farmhouse Butter.  Bronze was also awarded to Wyke Farms Vintage Cheddar in the Taste and Consumer Appeal category, the Vegetarian and the Double Gloucester categories.

This latest run of awards serves as further recognition for Wyke Farms the Best-Selling Farmhouse Cheddar Brand in the UK, as recently reported by the Kantar World Panel.[1] Known for their unique provenance and the superior quality of their products, Wyke Farms has maintained the art of traditional cheese-making on their Somerset farm, where the Clothier family have been making traditional farmhouse cheddar to their original secret recipe since 1902.

The 100 years of tradition at Wyke Farms have long since been matched by over 100 trophies, awards and prizes won by the company at national cheese shows. From an original 3,000 plus, Wyke Farms is now one of less than 20 farmhouse cheese makers remaining in the West Country and the only independent dairy company within the top 10 cheddar brands in the UK. With a family history dating back for more than a century, the company’s mild, mature, extra mature and vintage cheddars are sold throughout Europe in over 25,000 retailers.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.

-ends-

(2)World Panel KPI Reporting 52 w/e 27 December 2009

(3)w/e 02^nd November 2008 (TNS World Panel KPI Reporting)

Somerset, UK – June 21^, 2010 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, today announce that their new premium Farmhouse cheddar ‘Ivy’s Vintage Reserve’ is now available nationwide at Sainsbury’s stores.

The most recent addition to their award-winning line of cheddar products, Ivy’s Vintage Reserve cheddar goes through a careful maturation period, for no fewer than 15 months, under the watchful eye of the head cheese-grader at Wyke Farms, where the traditional art of cheddar making is maintained.

“We’re thrilled to be able to share this premium cheddar, which is so dear to our family, with Sainsbury’s shoppers,” said Richard Clothier, third generation family member and Managing Director. “Sainsbury’s rich heritage – as celebrated by their 140^th birthday – makes them a great match for this special-occasion cheddar, which honors my grandmother and Wyke Farms founder Ivy Clothier.”

Other Wyke Farms cheddar products available at Sainsbury’s include Just Delicious Extra Mature and Simply Gorgeous Vintage Cheddar. Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.

Somerset, UK – June 14, 2010 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, was the recipient of numerous accolades at the Royal Bath and West show, including first prize award in the ‘Salted Farmhouse Butter’ category, and Silver and Bronze in the ‘Peoples Choice Award’[1].   Wyke Farms’ traditional farmhouse cheddar and butter products serves as further recognition for the company as the Best-Selling Farmhouse Cheddar Brand in the UK, as recently reported by the Kantar World Panel.[2]

In addition, Wyke Farms also received a Silver award in the ‘Unsalted Creamery Butter’ category and Silver in the ‘Organic Cheddar Class’. Known for their unique provenance and the superior quality of their products, Wyke Farms has maintained the art of traditional cheese-making on their Somerset farm, where the Clothier family have been making traditional farmhouse cheddar to their original secret recipe since 1902.

The 100 years of tradition at Wyke Farms have long since been matched by over 100 trophies, awards and prizes won by the company at national cheese shows. From an original 3,000 plus, Wyke Farms is now one of less than 20 farmhouse cheese makers remaining in the West Country and the only independent dairy company within the top 10 cheddar brands in the UK. With a family history dating back for more than a century, the company’s mild, mature, extra mature and vintage cheddars are sold throughout Europe in over 25,000 retailers.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.

[2] Kantar World Panel KPI Reporting 52 w/e April 10th 2010

Somerset, UK – May 24, 2010 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, was the recipient of numerous accolades at the Devon County Show Dairy Produce competition, including first prize awards in the Vintage Cheddar, Double Gloucester and Creamery Butter categories, as well as the high honour of Reserve Champion. Awarded on May 19^th, this verification of Wyke Farms’ traditional farmhouse cheddar and butter products serves as further recognition for the company as the Best-Selling Farmhouse Cheddar Brand in the UK, as recently reported by the Kantar World Panel.[1]

In addition, the family-owned and operated farmhouse cheddar maker received 2^nd prize for their award-winning Red Leicester and Farmhouse Butter, as well as recognition for their ‘Cheese for a Dinner Party’ category. Known for their unique provenance and the superior quality of their products, Wyke Farms has maintained the art of traditional cheese-making on their Somerset farm, where the Clothier family have been making traditional farmhouse cheddar to their original secret recipe since 1902.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be kicking off the summer competition season with such an amazing start,” said Richard Clothier, Managing Director and third-generation family member at Wyke Farms. “We take consumer and competition feedback very seriously at Wyke Farms, and truly appreciate the genuine support we continue to receive year on year.”

The 100 years of tradition at Wyke Farms have long since been matched by over 100 trophies, awards and prizes won by the company at national cheese shows. From an original 3,000 plus, Wyke Farms is now one of less than 20 farmhouse cheese makers remaining in the West Country and the only independent dairy company within the top 10 cheddar brands in the UK. With a family history dating back for more than a century, the company’s mild, mature, extra mature and vintage cheddars are sold throughout Europe in over 25,000 retailers.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.

Somerset – May 10, 2010 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, today revealed the latest brand performance figures from Kantar World Panel KPI Reporting[1], the world’s leading provider of continuous, consumer panels and market research solutions. The data confirms Wyke Farms as the best selling Farmhouse Cheddar brand within the category in the UK.

Wyke Farms has shown double-digit growth in brand sales over the past 12 months (Wyke Farms is now a £72 million brand), and with a 20 percent year on year growth[2], the brand is projected to continue to perform well during 2010. In addition, the family-owned brand has continued to add incremental value at retail, which is up 3.5 percent[3] over the brand average. This significant achievement stands as further proof that Wyke Farms is continuing to cement its position as an added value brand within the category.

“In times like these, consumers are looking to spend their hard-earned money on brands that mean something to them,” said Richard Clothier, third generation family member & Managing Director, Wyke Farms. “As the only national Cheddar brand with provenance and a true point of difference, our core values really stand out in the crowd and resonate with British consumers.”

The Wyke Farms brand continues to be supported by national TV and press advertising this year, as well as a busy sampling programme that will reach over 2 million consumers over the summer months. In addition, Wyke Farms’ forward thinking approach to PR and the use of social media, has seen a growth in the popularity of the brands Facebook fan page, which hosts regular consumer competitions and giveaways.

Wyke Farms is a family run company based in Somerset and are the only independent dairy company within the top 10 cheddar brands in the UK.  The company has been making cheddar to the same family recipe since 1902 and have achieved substantial growth year on year by staying true to the traditional values behind the brand.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.

Somerset, UK – January 25, 2010 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, have released new data from TNS[1] confirming retail sales from December ‘08 – December ‘09 reached 70 million, the highest figure the company has ever achieved. Indicative of the company’s fast growth strategy and position as strongest challenger brand within the category, this figure represents a benchmark for Wyke Farms who intend to go even further in 2010.

Despite the tough trading environment during 2009 Wyke Farms achieved a significant increase in sales during the year and attribute much of their success to smarter above the line promotional activity and a strong sampling program.  Substantial investment into brand awareness took place during 2009 when Wyke Farms increased high impact print and broadcast advertising campaigns. The company also reached over 3 million members of the public on their sampling tours.

Richard Clothier, third generation family member & Managing Director, is planning further activity this year,  “2009 presented us all with some unprecedented challenges, it’s exactly that type of environment where entrepreneurial thinking and a genuine passion for what you do shines through.  We are planning extra investment into brand awareness during 2010 with targeted print and broadcast advertising campaigns, using TV and national food titles, to inspire confidence with our suppliers, customers and consumers.”

Wyke Farms, known for their unique provenance and the superior quality of their products, have maintained the art of traditional cheese making on their Somerset farm where the Clothier family have been making cheddar to Ivy Clothier’s same original secret recipe since 1902.  Staying loyal to the families’ heritage and approach to farming has given Wyke Farms a unique ability to produce a wide variety of traditional, real farmhouse cheddars.

The 100 years of tradition at Wyke Farms are now matched by over 100 trophies, awards and prizes won by the company at national cheese shows.  From an original 3000 plus, Wyke Farms is now one of less that 20 farmhouse cheese makers remaining in the West Country and today its mild, mature, extra mature and vintage cheddars are sold throughout Europe in over 25,000 retailers.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.

[1] World Panel KPI Reporting 52 w/e 27 December 2009

For over one hundred years the special Christmas line of premium vintage cheddar has been reserved for family and close friends during the holiday season. This year however, the special Christmas cheese; a specially selected line of the Wyke Farms Ivy’s Vintage Reserve, is also available to the public for the month of December.

Ivy’s family founded Wyke Farms in the 1900s and now, three generations later, the Clothier family continues to use her celebrated 100-year-old recipe for turning their fresh milk into award-winning cheese with perfect texture and exquisite taste. Fresh milk is collected daily from Wyke’s local farms, where the cows are grazing the lush pastures in the heart of Somerset, the milk is then made into cheddar at the dairy near Bruton.

The Ivy’s Vintage Reserve Cheddar then goes through a careful maturation period, for no fewer than 15 months, under the watchful eye of the head cheese maker.  The traditional art of cheese making is maintained at Wyke Farms as the skilled cheese maker carefully brings all of the ingredients from the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills into full development of taste and texture.

“The Christmas line of Cheddar is our premium vintage at its best” Commented Richard Clothier, third generation family member and Managing Director. He continues “It’s been a tradition to save this for family and friends for over 100 years but this year we want to share it out with those who have the same passion for cheddar as we do”

The 100 years of tradition at Wyke Farms are now matched by over 100 trophies, awards and prizes won by the company at national cheese shows.  From an original 3000 plus, Wyke Farms is now one of less that 20 farmhouse cheese makers remaining in the West Country and today its mild, mature, extra mature and vintage cheddars are sold throughout Europe in over 25,000 retailers.

Wyke Farms has been producing award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become the largest family-owned cheese maker in Britain selling over 12,000 tonnes annually. The company have achieved substantial growth year on year by staying true to the traditional values behind the brand and have become the fastest growing cheddar brand at a rate of 82% year on year.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.  The limited edition Christmas cheddar is available from Asda stores and priced at £5.00 for a 600g block.

Somerset – November 16^th, 2009 – The West Country’s 2009 ‘Scholar of the Year’ has been announced as Matthew Humphry, from Isle Abbotts.   Four other finalists – including Colin Tuer, winner of the ‘Wyke Award’ – were selected based on their specialised knowledge and practical experience, and will receive cash payments to help them start careers in the Dairy Industry. The finalists were selected from 21 applicants in the four counties.

This is the sixth year in a row that Wyke Farms has contributed to the Dairy Crest/NFU Scholarship Fund responsible for The West Country Dairy Awards.  The 2009 ‘Wyke Award’, a £1,000 cash prize, was awarded to Colin Tuer, of Creech Heathfield, who is currently studying for a BSc Hons degree in Agriculture (Farm Management) at Newcastle University.

“It’s important to not only promote but help foster the kind of talent that we see each and every year with the West Country Dairy Awards,” said Richard Clothier, third generation family member & Managing Director, Wyke Farms. “We’re delighted to present the 2009 ‘Wyke Award’ to Colin Tuer and look forward to following his future success in the Dairy Industry.”

Previously, Colin received a merit pass for a National Diploma in Agriculture at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.  While studying at Hartpury, he also gained experience as a relief milker, and before starting at his degree course, worked on a 1,700-cow farm in New Zealand as well as other dairy farms in Australia and Canada.

The scholarship fund was set up in 1925 by United Dairies, the forerunner of Unigate – now Dairy Crest.  Wyke Farms and ABN Agri also add to the fund to encourage youngsters in the dairy industry so that the UK can have the efficient and competitive dairy sector that it deserves.

An executive committee manages the Trust, with three Trustees and an advisory committee. It is run jointly with the NFU and awards grants to children of farmers and farm employees who are over 16 years old, living in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, and studying a dairy related topic.  Applicants are assessed by interview and finalists are selected to be considered for the top awards.

Somerset, UK – November 5, 2009 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, today unveil the latest addition to their range of traditional cheddar and butter products, a new spreadable version of their award-winning Truly Scrumptious Farmhouse Butter. Available in 500g tubs, the new spreadable butter is the perfect marriage of traditional farmhouse flavour and modern-day convenience.

With all of the same great flavour that has made Wyke Farms’ farmhouse butter a household name, the new Truly Scrumptious Spreadable version spreads smoothly and evenly straight from the fridge. Ideal for busy mums on the go, this new butter provides easy convenience without sacrificing the flavour and quality that go into every product in the family-run company’s range.

“Creating a more user-friendly, spreadable version of our Truly Scrumptious butter was the next logical step for us in modernizing our otherwise very traditional farmhouse range of products,” said Richard Clothier, Managing Director and third-generation family member at Wyke Farms. “Over the past year Wyke Farms has been dedicated to answering consumer demand for convenience by updating our products with features including zip-lock packaging, grated formats and snack-size portions of our award-winning cheddar, and now a modern and easier to use butter that really is Truly Scrumptious.”

The 100 years of tradition at Wyke Farms have rewarded with more than 100 trophies, awards and prizes won by the company at national cheese shows. From an original 3,000 plus, Wyke Farms is now one of less that 20 farmhouse cheese makers remaining in the West Country, and today its mild, mature, extra mature and vintage cheddars and butter products are sold throughout Europe in over 25,000 retailers.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.