Wensleydale Creamery, Part of Saputo's UK Portfolio, Invests in State-of-the-Art Smokehouse for Cheese Production
Source: The DairyNews
In a strategic move towards innovation, Wensleydale Creamery, a prominent UK cheese maker under Saputo's umbrella, has made an undisclosed investment in cutting-edge machinery to enhance its smoked cheese production. T
The newly installed smokehouse, situated at Saputo's existing facility in Hawes, North Yorkshire, is already operational and has effectively doubled the company's cheese output.
While the specific details of the investment and current production output remain undisclosed, Wensleydale Creamery expressed enthusiasm about the technological upgrade. The smokehouse not only increases capacity but also allows the incorporation of distinct smoked flavors such as oak, hickory, and beech into the cheese varieties.
Wensleydale Creamery's smoked product range currently includes naturally smoked Cheddar and Wensleydale. The company, known for its diverse cheese offerings, also produces various Wensleydale and Cheddar cheeses, alongside blue cheese and other products.
Remarkably, the advanced smoked cheese technology will be accessible to all of Saputo UK's brands, including Cathedral City, Davidstow, and plant-based cheese maker Sheese. However, specific plans of utilization by individual brands have not been disclosed.
Sandra Bell, Marketing Manager at The Wensleydale Creamery, emphasized the significance of the smoking installation as a "major milestone" for the group. She acknowledged the growing demand for naturally smoked cheese and highlighted the potential for substantial business growth in this category.
It is noteworthy that Saputo's UK arm extends beyond cheese production to include popular butter brands like Clover, Country Life, Vitalite, Willow, Utterly Butterly, and the Frylight range of frying oils.
Despite this positive development, Saputo's recent business decisions have included the announcement of plans to close a dairy facility in the UK, potentially affecting over 150 jobs. This move aligns with Saputo's broader strategy of optimizing operations and reducing costs, as seen in its consolidation efforts in Australia and the US.
While Saputo faced challenges, including a loss in its third quarter and an impairment charge related to its Australian dairy division, the company remains focused on refining its manufacturing network and enhancing efficiency globally.
While the specific details of the investment and current production output remain undisclosed, Wensleydale Creamery expressed enthusiasm about the technological upgrade. The smokehouse not only increases capacity but also allows the incorporation of distinct smoked flavors such as oak, hickory, and beech into the cheese varieties.
Wensleydale Creamery's smoked product range currently includes naturally smoked Cheddar and Wensleydale. The company, known for its diverse cheese offerings, also produces various Wensleydale and Cheddar cheeses, alongside blue cheese and other products.
Remarkably, the advanced smoked cheese technology will be accessible to all of Saputo UK's brands, including Cathedral City, Davidstow, and plant-based cheese maker Sheese. However, specific plans of utilization by individual brands have not been disclosed.
Sandra Bell, Marketing Manager at The Wensleydale Creamery, emphasized the significance of the smoking installation as a "major milestone" for the group. She acknowledged the growing demand for naturally smoked cheese and highlighted the potential for substantial business growth in this category.
It is noteworthy that Saputo's UK arm extends beyond cheese production to include popular butter brands like Clover, Country Life, Vitalite, Willow, Utterly Butterly, and the Frylight range of frying oils.
Despite this positive development, Saputo's recent business decisions have included the announcement of plans to close a dairy facility in the UK, potentially affecting over 150 jobs. This move aligns with Saputo's broader strategy of optimizing operations and reducing costs, as seen in its consolidation efforts in Australia and the US.
While Saputo faced challenges, including a loss in its third quarter and an impairment charge related to its Australian dairy division, the company remains focused on refining its manufacturing network and enhancing efficiency globally.
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