Neal’s Yard Dairy Faces £300,000 Loss in Sophisticated Cheese Scam but Receives Overwhelming Support"

“We are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness and offers of support,” said Sarah Stewart, owner of Neal’s Yard Dairy. She noted an increase in orders and concern fr om loyal customers, particularly across their three London shops, wh ere patrons have been eager to assist. The incident even caught the attention of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, who called it “a brazen heist of epic proportions” and warned cheese enthusiasts to be vigilant about any “suspiciously large quantities of premium cheddar” appearing on the black market.

The scam reportedly began in July, when Neal’s Yard Dairy received an inquiry from someone impersonating a reputable European distributor. Correspondence continued for several months, with the fraudsters demonstrating a detailed knowledge of the cheese industry, which reinforced their credibility.

Despite the setback, Neal’s Yard Dairy has made good on its commitments to the small-scale cheese producers Hafod, Westcombe, and Pitchfork, covering the full payment for the stolen cheese to shield these suppliers from the financial impact. The dairy, known for its dedication to supporting traditional cheesemaking, aims to use this experience as a rallying point for industry camaraderie and public appreciation of artisanal products.

Stewart concluded, “We’re trying to stay positive and take heart from the incredible support and kind messages we’ve received. It’s truly overwhelming.”

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