Wyke Farms and Westland Cheese partner to expand reach in Holland and Germany

UK-based independent cheese producer Wyke Farms has partnered with Westland Cheese in a bid to expand its product footprint in Holland and Germany.

Wyke has partnered with Westland following a market prioritisation study, which identified Holland and Germany as key markets for growth.

Wyke Farms managing director Rich Clothier said: “Quality produce from Great Britain has been very well received in European markets.

“The time is right for us to increase our offering into these regions and have chosen the best partner to help us do this.”

The cheese producer added that it has selected Westland Cheese as their chosen distributor because of its effective marketing and selling function, as well as their ability to reach the Dutch and German markets.

Westland Cheese managing director Henny Westland said: “We are delighted to develop a strategic partnership with a family business that holds strong and similar values to our own.

“At an unprecedented time of change, these values, quality of products and way of doing business have a clear competitive advantage and point of difference to consumers in the market.”

Based in Somerset, Wyke Farms have been exporting cheddar to more than 160 countries for the past two decades.

In the UK, Wyke products are available in selected Lidl stores and the South-West, Asda, CO-OP and Tesco stores, as well as over the company website.

Last January, Wyke Farms secured planning approval to rebuild its dairy facility in Bruton, Somerset, to double its capacity.

The company is carrying out development as part of a five-year plan for growth, which includes increasing brand presence in export markets in preparation for post-Brexit trade.

The 16,589m² Ivy’s Dairy production facility will be energy and water efficient, as well as environment-friendly and feature soft landscaping and a natural grass roof.