Welsh cheesemakers are joining forces in a bid to step up the sales and marketing of their products. Eight producers, big and small, have formed a co-operative called Cheeses from Wales. The companies involved are Caernarvon Creameries, Abergavenny Farm Foods, Merlin Cheeses, Caws Celtica, Llanborfy Cheese Makers, Teifi Cheese, Penbryn and Pant Mawr.
Merlin Cheeses owner and company secretary Gill Pateman said the businesses were forming a marketing organisation for their products: "We want to promote Welsh cheeses to high profile organisations such as hotels, restaurants and retailers, particularly in England."
She said retailers in particular had changed their policies and would rather deal with larger co-operatives than single producers.
More companies will be welcomed on board in the long run. "As soon as the business is set up properly, in a month or two, we'll open it up to all Welsh cheesemakers. The aim is to get as many on board as possible."
She said a bigger organisation dealing direct with its customers rather than through a wholesaler or middleman would give them more control. "We can provide more advice and information to help with handling and storing."
The co-operative intends to begin marketing its products next spring.
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Merlin Cheeses owner and company secretary Gill Pateman said the businesses were forming a marketing organisation for their products: "We want to promote Welsh cheeses to high profile organisations such as hotels, restaurants and retailers, particularly in England."
She said retailers in particular had changed their policies and would rather deal with larger co-operatives than single producers.
More companies will be welcomed on board in the long run. "As soon as the business is set up properly, in a month or two, we'll open it up to all Welsh cheesemakers. The aim is to get as many on board as possible."
She said a bigger organisation dealing direct with its customers rather than through a wholesaler or middleman would give them more control. "We can provide more advice and information to help with handling and storing."
The co-operative intends to begin marketing its products next spring.
{{MARKET EDGE }}
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