Campaign to save Cheshire Cheese at the Cheshire Show !

A campaign to halt the decline of Britain’s oldest cheese has been launched by enthusiasts at the Cheshire County Show.

The extensive cheese section at the major two-day public event has launched a bid to turn around the fortunes of Cheshire Cheese in the face of a stark fall in production.

“In 1960 there was over 40,000 tonnes of Cheshire Cheese being produced in the UK every year, now there is only around 7000 tonnes produced,” said David Williams, Chief Steward in the Cheese section of the Cheshire Show.

“Cheshire Cheese’s heritage dates back to Roman times and it is also mentioned in the Domesday Book.  It is a famous part of the county’s heritage and I think it is really important that we don’t let production of this great cheese disappear.”

Pre World War II there were over 200 Cheshire Cheese producers in Cheshire but changes in retail trends, the growth of cheaper mass produced pre-packaged cheeses, and an increase in other cheese varieties on the market means there is now only six local producers left.

The Cheese Section at the Cheshire County Show is teaming up with some of these local producers including Joseph Heler, from Nantwich, to raise the profile of Cheshire Cheese in a bid to get it back on tables across the country.

A special display in the Roberts Bakery Food Hall will allow the public to sample Cheshire Cheese made by local producers.

There will also be a special category for the best Cheshire Cheese in the cheese competition.

“The show is keen to support this campaign to put Cheshire Cheese back on the map by making the public more aware of the quality cheese produced in the county and encouraging more people to try its distinctive full bodied, fresh, flavour,”

“Greater local production of Cheshire Cheese will also bring wider benefits for the local economy, especially for local dairy farmers through increased demand for milk to make the product,” said Nigel Evans, Executive Director of the Cheshire County Show.

The Cheshire County Show takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday June 21 and 22.  Advanced tickets are available by calling 0845 124 9822 or for more information visit www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk

You can also follow the Cheshire Show on Twitter at @cheshireshow.

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