Wensleydale looking to conquer a whole new world

WENSLEYDALE cheese sales could be expanded across the Atlantic, with the boss of the Yorkshire creamery which produces it flying to central America today to look foreign business opportunities for the product.

David Hartley, managing director of the Wensleydale Creamery, is to attend the Thought Exchange event in Mexico to consider business opportunities in the Americas.

The move comes as the Wensleydale Creamery at Hawes was named as being among the UK’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies, after reaching the regional finals of the Business Thinking 2010 initiative from HSBC.

If successful the creamery could win a prize of 5m in lending, plus a financial reward of up to 100,000.

Mr Hartley said: “It is very satisfying for The Wensleydale Creamery to be officially recognised by business experts for its ambition, innovation and strong management team whose acumen is helping the business forge ahead.

“I am looking forward to my trip to Mexico, which will allow me to develop an in-depth understanding of the business etiquette and culture, as well as the business opportunities, in that part of the world.”

Following his return from Mexico, Mr Harley will take part in a second phase of the Business Thinking 2010 initiative that will see him present a refined business case based on insights gained on the Thought Exchange.

Mark Vines, HSBC’s regional commercial director for Yorkshire and the North East, said the calibre of finalists was very strong.

The Wensleydale Creamery has made substantial investment this year in creating new recipes and expanding its base at Hawes.

It recently opened the first phase of a 800,000 expansion to its visitor centre, comprising a new coffee shop and new speciality cheese shop and deli.

The creamery is also currently in the final stage of its fight to give Wensleydale Cheese Protected Designation of Origin status from the European Union. If it is successful it would be illegal to call a product Wensleydale Cheese if it is made outside Wensleydale, giving it the same legal protection as Parma ham or champagne.