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.