A new membership organisation has been launched to champion British artisan cheese and encourage the public to support small producers over industrial manufacturers.
The Real Cheese Project has been founded by James and Nicola Grant, owners of No2 Pound Street cheese shop in Wendover, Bucks, along with Sam and Amy Brice of Freshly Ground PR, who have supported events such as the World Cheese Awards and British Cheese Awards.
Consumers will be able to join the Real Cheese Project from September, with members receiving a monthly box, containing a new cheese newspaper and a wedge of cheese, supported by an online tasting session. In addition, 5% of profits will support initiatives that protect, develop and progress real cheese. Research, surveys and PR activities, including collaboration with other cheese bodies, will also be a focus.
“We’re so excited to be launching the Real Cheese Project at a time when farmers, cheesemakers and retailers are facing challenges on every front,” said James Grant. “Britain loves its cheese, but most people aren’t aware of what’s on offer away from the industrially produced staples that they’re used to, and the good that small dairy farms are doing for our planet. We’re here to tell these stories, with lots of incredible cheese to eat along the way.”
Sam Brice added: “With over 1,000 artisan cheeses to choose from in Britain, we’d love to see more consumers seeking out something new from independent cheese shops.”
The Real Cheese Project is calling on cheesemakers and retailers to send stories for potential inclusion in the newspaper, online channels and other opportunities ahead of the public launch in September.
This article first appeared in the April 2024 edition of Fine Food Digest .
