Blue Stilton production has returned to Derbyshire for the first time in five years.

Derbyshire-based Hartington Creamery this week rolled out its blue cheese in local stores - marking the return of Stilton production to the county following the closure of the original Hartington Creamery by Long Clawson in 2009.

White and Blue Stilton were awarded protected food status in 1996, restricting production of the chesses to Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire.

Hartington Creamery plans to ramp up production in line with demand, with current capacities falling “well short”, said company director Adrian Cartlidge - a former employee of the original Hartington Creamery.

“Expansion is high on the agenda with plans to double it by early next year, with further expansion as necessary,” said Cartlidge.

The business has been producing cheese for two years - selling Stilton-style cheeses under the names Peakland White and Peakland Blue to local retailers and restaurants. It has been given approval to use the Stilton name by the UK’s Stilton Cheesemakers’ Association.

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