Shepherds Purse, the family-run artisan cheesemaker based near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is bringing more of its award-winning blue cheese to shoppers across the country, as Morrisons rolls out Harrogate Blue and Yorkshire Blue to more than 300 stores across the UK.

Launched last month in time for the festive season, the two cheeses will be the first to appear in Shepherds Purse’s new-look 150g packs, with Morrisons becoming the first retailer to stock the new format.

For the small, independent cheesemaker, the expansion marks a significant milestone. Morrisons was an early champion of Yorkshire Blue, first stocking the cheese in its Yorkshire stores in the early 2000s before taking it nationwide on its Market Street cheese counters. Now, more than two decades later, the latest listing means a second Shepherds Purse cheese will be available to Morrisons customers across the country.

The new packaging marks Shepherds Purse’s first major brand refresh in more than ten years. Developed and tested over two years, the new format features a recyclable tray and cardboard sleeve and has been designed to extend shelf life, make the pack easier to use and reseal, and give the cheeses greater standout on shelf.

Caroline Bell, joint managing director of Shepherds Purse, said: “British cheese is some of the best in the world, and our ambition has always been to share it with as many people as possible. Seeing Harrogate Blue go nationwide alongside Yorkshire Blue is a real milestone for a family business like ours.

“We’ve worked with our local retailer Morrisons for more than 25 years, so it’s exciting that they’re the first to launch our new packs nationwide. We’ve spent two years getting this format right meaning it’s more sustainable, it keeps the cheese at its best for longer, and it helps us work more efficiently as demand keeps growing. Most of all, we hope it helps more shoppers discover how good a British creamy blue can be.”

Bethan Oliver, speciality cheese buyer at Morrisons, said: “We’re proud to build on our 25 year partnership with Shepherds Purse by bringing Harrogate Blue and Yorkshire Blue to our stores. Our customers love exceptional regional cheeses, and being first to offer these award-winning favourites in eco-friendly packaging just in time for Christmas is a fantastic win for our customers.”

Shepherds Purse is an independent, family-owned cheesemaker based near Thirsk in North Yorkshire. Founded by Judy Bell MBE in the 1980s, the business is now run by her daughters, Caroline Bell and Katie Matten. Its range of ten handcrafted cheeses is made using local cow’s, organic cow’s, sheep’s and water buffalo milk, with awards won across the range at national and international competitions.

Shepherds Purse cheeses are available in major UK supermarkets including M&S, Waitrose and Booths, farm shops, independent delis and specialist cheese shops, as well as online at shepherdspurse.co.uk.