Cheese news: What’s happening in the world of cheese and dairy right now?

UK-wide cheese knowledge tour launches

A group of independent producers have joined forces to develop the Cheese Knowledge Tour – a free training initiative – in response to the growing pressure around the cost and accessibility of training across specialist food retail.

The training has been designed to provide independent fine food retailers plus hospitality teams and buyers with the knowledge to confidently work with cheese through guided tastings, practical experience and direct access to producers. Topics cover cheese handling, pairing and selling and range planning.

Cheese expert Tanny Gill will deliver each session, which will combine practical skills with learning that can be applied in retail environments.

Tanny Gill, programme director of the Cheese Knowledge Tour, said, “Training has become one of the biggest challenges for independent retailers. The cost of properly training even one member of staff can be prohibitive, and in many cases it simply does not happen. That has a direct impact on confidence, on sales and ultimately on the sustainability of businesses.

“The Cheese Knowledge Tour is about changing that. It has been built with a group of producers who all believe that better knowledge leads to a stronger, more confident cheese market. This is just the beginning — the aim is to grow the programme and bring more of the industry together, while keeping it practical, open and accessible to anyone working with cheese.”

As well as building individual knowledge and confidence, the programme aims to strengthen connections across the sector, bringing producers and the trade closer together through shared understanding and practical collaboration.

Brinkworth Dairy revives Wiltshire Loaf for spring

The cheesemaker has brought back the territorial cheese that until now had all but disappeared from British cheeseboards.

Made with milk from the farm’s own closed Friesian herd in Wiltshire, it is a hard cheese with a waxed natural rind and a firm but supple paste. The flavour is rich and savoury with a gentle nuttiness and a light chamomile-daisy note – familiar in style to classic British territorials, but with a distinct character shaped by Brinkworth Dairy’s grass-fed herd and the Wiltshire landscape.

“Wiltshire Loaf is particularly significant to us because it represents both a revival and a continuation: the return of a lost regional cheese, and a way of expressing the character of our farm through a traditional British style,” said Ceri Cryer, director of Brinkworth Dairy.“Everything is made on site with milk from our own cows, which gives us complete control from pasture to cheeseroom and allows the cheese to reflect both seasonality and place.

“Wiltshire Loaf is our way of bringing back a true regional British cheese and giving it a future. It’s rooted in the history of this county, but it also tells the story of our farm today – our herd, our pasture and the way we make cheese here in Wiltshire. For us, it’s about proving that traditional territorial cheeses still have enormous value, both culturally and commercially.”

Tom Walker & Sons brings award-winning Fiorella to UK

German cow’s milk cheese Fiorella is a soft speciality cheese which delivers exceptional richness and indulgence – an ideal option for consumers looking for premium Continental cheeses that are approachable in flavour and format.

Its distinctive flower shape means that the cheese matures slowly, developing a distinctive flavour and texture, and creates an impressive cheese counter centrepiece.

The launch comes as the UK speciality cheese market continues to show resilience and opportunity, with the sector up 1.5% in value year-on-year, and soft continental varieties accounting for 33% of the speciality cheese market (Worldpanel, December 2025). Fiorella’s award wins will also inspire sales; it received the 2023 Superior Taste Award in Brussels, plus gold and silver awards at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards 2025.

Dominique Delacour, head of UK marketing strategy at Tom Walker & Sons, said, “We are incredibly proud to be introducing Fiorella into the UK market. As specialists in bringing exceptional Continental cheeses to British retailers, we are always looking for products that combine quality, craftsmanship and strong visual appeal.

“Fiorella delivers on all three – its rich triple crème indulgence, award-winning credentials and distinctive floral shape make it a true standout for deli counters and speciality retailers. With soft Continental cheese representing a third of the speciality market and continued value growth in the category, we’re excited to offer our partners a premium product that helps them differentiate and drive incremental sales.

Entries for the Cheese and Dairy Show now open

The Cheese and Dairy Show, part of The Great Yorkshire Show which takes place Tuesday 14th July to Friday 17th July at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground, is welcoming entries.

Three digital classes have been added, covering Champion Cheese Board, Grazing Platter and Cheese Celebration Cake. Caroline Bell, chief steward of the Great Yorkshire Show’s Cheese and Dairy Show, said, “It’s so exciting to be taking these classes out into the community in a way that makes it easy for businesses to be part of the Great Yorkshire Show and showcase their talent.

“It is another great way to shine the spotlight on a food that is produced with amazing craft and skill and is enjoyed by cheese-lovers across the country.”   

Entry forms are available on the Great Yorkshire Show website.