Ivy’s reserve vintage cheddar announces UK retail growth

Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and producer of renewable energy, announced that its multi award-winning Ivy’s reserve vintage cheddar’ is now available from Waitrose, Ocado and selected Sainsbury’s stores. In addition, its Ivy’s reserve Somerset red’ variety will be launching into UK retail with availability in selected Sainsbury’s stores.

Launched as the worlds-first carbon neutral branded cheddar in 2021, Ivy’s reserve vintage cheddar is a premium offering made by the Clothier family and their team at Wyke Farms in Bruton, Somerset. The cheddar is named after Grandmother Ivy who, 100 years ago, was the first person to write down her recipe, which is now kept locked in a safe on the farm. Ivy’s reserve somerset red was developed to meet emerging market trends across the world and fulfil a global appetite for new, creative offerings within the category. Somerset Red surpasses traditional vintage recipes, and the complex flavour profile is perfectly suited to global taste preferences.

The brand is focusing on expanding its retail presence in the UK as a key component of its growth strategy, driven by a 10% year-on-year increase in its export business. This aligns with the rising consumer trend of enjoying premium dining experiences at home, where there is a growing interest in products that offer unique provenance and uphold sustainable values.

Rich Clothier, managing director and third generation family member at Wyke Farms, says: “We continue to invest into our position as market leaders as we pioneer eco-friendly business, and farming practices, that contribute to environmental improvements. Securing a presence in these national retailers is a significant milestone for us and our ongoing commitment to achieving beneficial ecological impacts through conscious business practices.”

The ‘Ivy’s Reserve’ brand communicates Wyke Farms’ work in improving environmental performance across these core areas:

Farming: Reduced emissions at both Wyke Farms and their supplier farms with a committed sustainability plan and incentive programme; covering animal feed, land management and energy use as well as regenerative farming and protection of the soil. This is better for biodiversity, soil quality and helps to reduce emissions, bringing the CO2 output per litre of milk to 20% under the national average.

Production: When making Ivy’s Reserve, Wyke Farms minimise waste and packaging, recover heat, filter, and reuse wastewater, and reduce carbon emissions. The overall aim for the company is to achieve Net Zero production.

Green Energy: Made using 100% green energy, with electricity and gas sourced from Wyke Farm’s own self-generated solar power and from biogas generated from farm and dairy waste. The anaerobic digester saves 20 million kilos of CO2 every year, as well as providing a rich natural fertiliser that is used on local farms to displace artificial nitrogen usage.

Conservation: Alongside this work, Wyke Farms work hard to protect and nurture the countryside around the River Brue which runs through the valley. They leave uncultivated areas to wildflowers and other species as well as planting trees and putting up bird boxes and insect hotels.

There is a Visitor Centre where you can find out all about this side of the work on the farm. It is at the heart of Wyke Farms’ business and a way of life, and a vital part of the legacy handed down by Ivy, her husband Tom, and previous generations of the family.