Fen Farm Dairy Expands with New A12 Mini Farm Shop

Fen Farm Dairy, a Suffolk-based dairy farm known for its acclaimed Baron Bigod brie, has opened a new 'mini farm shop' next to Two Magpies Bakeries on the A12. This marks their third retail outlet, following successful ventures on their farm and off the A140 at Eye Airfield.

Jonathan and Dulcie Crickmore, third-generation dairy farmers, invested around £80,000 to renovate the site into a retail and storage space with a cold store and freezer. The shop offers cheese, butter, yogurt, and raw milk, along with produce from other local suppliers including vegetables, meats, and baked goods.

Fen Farm Dairy has seen significant growth since its diversification in 2013, now employing approximately 60 people. Their cheese production has increased from six tonnes in the first year to 160 tonnes today, with a total of around 250 tonnes of dairy products produced annually.

Their Baron Bigod brie is exported globally, including to U.S. cities and Paris, where it is reportedly the top-selling brie. Other export destinations include Australia, Argentina, Japan, Singapore, Peru, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, and Spain.

Open seven days a week from 8 am, the shop aims to provide high-quality, local ingredients to passing trade. It includes a self-service system, supported by staff, and features an Etude takeaway coffee machine from Bungay.

Jonny Crickmore, also chairman of the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival, emphasizes the importance of promoting local produce. The new shop's opening coincides with International Cheese Day, marking a significant milestone for the Crickmores.