Carron Lodge acquires artisan cheese brand Singleton’s to save it from administration

Founded in 1934 by Dullia and Robert Singleton, whose family had been making cheese since the 18th century, Singleton’s dairy has a rich history. Trading as Singleton’s & Co, the family business has been handcrafting award-winning cheeses in the UK for more than 80 years, such as the famous Grandma Singleton’s, Probiotic Cheddar, and Parlick Fell. 

It supplies produce to both retail and wholesale, as well as exporting to more than 30 countries worldwide.

Following the news that Singletons were entering administration, and with a historical connection between the two businesses, Carron Lodge decided to act. Duillia (Grandma Singleton) used to make cheese from a young age for the Rhodes family. These recipes were handed down through generations to allow Adrian and Annette Rhodes to start making cheese in 1988, and start Carron Lodge.

Tom Rhodes, operations manager at Carron Lodge explained, “We simply could not see the Grandma Singleton brand disappear from the industry. Not many people know that Grandma Singleton was a relation to the Rhodes family, and therefore this brand was very important to Carron Lodge. Her recipes helped Carron Lodge to start our wonderful cheese journey, and we felt that her legacy had to live on.”

Michael Harrison, marketing and branding executive, added, “Singleton’s was important to us mainly due to the family connection and it would be a shame to see some great cheeses like Grandma Singleton’s and Forrest of Bowland Cheddar go. 

“The expansion of Carron lodge with the acquisition of Singletons has not only allowed us to continue some of their established lines but to also expand some of our own. Allowing us to develop more lines to add to our portfolio of artisan cheese.”

Carron Lodge are looking to put investment into the Longridge site, as well as creating jobs and opportunities for the local community. It will continue as a working cheese dairy with an emphasis on quality. They also plan to launch some new and exciting products for both the retail and foodservice industry.

This is Carron Lodge’s third acquisition in 2022, with the acquisition of Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. and Ribblesdale Cheese Co. earlier this year, proving to be a success.