The Crafty Herd from Ilchester Cheese

The Ilchester Cheese Co., one of the UK’s blended cheese manufacturers, is expanding its branded offering with the launch of The Crafty Herd, a new cheese brand that will liven up the flavoured cheese aisle with its playful attitude and flavourful, quality creations, it says.

The brand will be launching over the festive period with its initial offering The Crafty Herd Advent Calendar, showcasing 13 flavour pairings, including Wensleydale Toffee, Maple and Caramel Biscuit, Wensleydale with Chocolate and Orange, Sriracha and Honey, and Apple, Sage and Onion. Unlike ordinary advent calendars with 24 doors, The Crafty Herd Advent Calendar also contains a gift on day 25.

Designed to be displayed in the fridge door, The Crafty Herd Advent Calendar can be split in half once the first 12 days have been opened, to free up space at such an important time of year for the fridge. Consumer feedback is key, so a QR code on the advent will allow consumers to pick their favourite flavours of the range, informing some of the brand’s future new product development. With an RRP of £15, The Crafty Herd Advent Calendar will be available in Sainsburys, Morrisons and Ocado nationwide. The year 2026 will see the introduction of further formats and flavours to bring a sense of occasion to cheeseboards and dishes, according to Ilchester Cheese.