Calls to Make UK World’s #1 Cheese Destination

The announcement, made at the Royal Bath & West Show, aims to inspire British cheese makers to overtake France and Italy as the top international producers of protected name cheeses.

Currently, France has 51 cheeses registered under the scheme and Italy has 49, but only 16 cheeses made in the UK are listed.

Elizabeth Truss, Environment Secretary said, “Given we have more types of cheese than France and Italy it’s only right we should have more trademarks and more recognition. And what better place to lead the charge than the West Country – home to our iconic cheddar. Growing our British cheese industry will help bring greater investment, jobs and tourism to local communities. And by trademarking our best-loved cheeses we are not only celebrating our rich heritage of cheese making, but also protecting them from pale imitations.”

George Streatfeild, chairman of the West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Association said, “Having Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status guarantees the authenticity and provenance of our cheese. It is handmade on the farm and matured for over nine months. This means that when consumers buy West Country Farmhouse Cheddar, they know with confidence that they are buying the real thing. It has helped us stand out in an increasingly competitive world particularly when exporting to countries like China, Korea and USA.”

Producers interested in obtaining protected status can get in touch with Defra via protectedfoodnames@defra.gsi.gov.uk.