Shepherds Purse: Famous Yorkshire family cheesemaker takes British blue cheeses nationwide with Morrisons
A family-run artisan cheesemaker is set to grow its market share with support from a Yorkshire-headquartered supermarket chain.
Shepherds Purse, which is based near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is bringing more of its blue cheese to shoppers across the country, as Morrisons rolls out Harrogate Blue and Yorkshire Blue in more than 300 stores nationwide.
Founded by Judy Bell MBE in the 1980s, Shepherds Purse is now run by her daughters, Caroline Bell and Katie Matten.
Its range of 10 handcrafted cheeses are already available in major UK supermarkets including M&S, Waitrose and Booths, farm shops, independent delis and specialist cheese shops.
A spokesman said: “For the small, independent cheesemaker, the expansion marks a significant milestone.
"Morrisons was an early champion of Yorkshire Blue, first stocking the cheese in its Yorkshire stores in the early 2000s before taking it nationwide on its Market Street cheese counters.
"Now, more than two decades later, the latest listing means a second Shepherds Purse cheese will be available to Morrisons customers across the country.”
Caroline Bell, Joint Managing Director of Shepherds Purse, said: "British cheese is some of the best in the world, and our ambition has always been to share it with as many people as possible.”
She added: “Seeing Harrogate Blue go nationwide alongside Yorkshire Blue is a real milestone for a family business like ours.
"We’ve worked with our local retailer Morrisons for more than 25 years, so it’s exciting that they’re the first to launch our new packs nationwide.
"We’ve spent two years getting this format right meaning it's more sustainable, it keeps the cheese at its best for longer, and it helps us work more efficiently as demand keeps growing.
"Most of all, we hope it helps more shoppers discover how good a British creamy blue can be."
Bethan Oliver, Speciality Cheese Buyer at Morrisons, which has its headquarters in Bradford, said: "We’re proud to build on our 25 year partnership with Shepherds Purse by bringing Harrogate Blue and Yorkshire Blue to our stores."
"Our customers love regional cheeses, and being first to offer these award-winning favourites in eco-friendly packaging just in time for Christmas is a win for our customers."