Waitrose is adding a new British ewes' milk cheese to deli counters in 180 of its stores from next month.

The Olde York cheese is hand-made using a French method adopted by York monks in the 18th century.

Chloe Graves, cheese buyer for Waitrose said she was confident the cheese's legacy along with its distinct taste and texture would prove popular with shoppers.

"We believe we have found a real winner in Olde York, a fabulous top-quality sheep's milk cheese. Customers will love its fresh, creamy flavour, as well as the story behind it."

North Yorkshire supplier Shepherds Purse launched the cheese in 1988 but it was discontinued a decade later due to a lack of British sheep's milk.

"We reintroduced the cheese in 2004 and are delighted to have now secured a national listing with Waitrose,” said Shepherds Purse chief executive Judy Bell, who claimed the company's policy of using only local British ewe's milk would strike a chord with Waitrose shoppers.

The launch follows Waitrose' introduction of a five-strong range of Irish farmhouse cheeses last month.

Read more
Welsh lamb set for price rises as ewe numbers fall (21 November 2009)
Ewes cheese for Waitrose (17 March 2008)

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