The Rise of British Cheese: A British Delight in the Global Cheese Market

Centuries of product development have led to the flourishing of British cheese, making it some of the best cheese produced in the world. Speaking as a former cheesemonger who sold over 150 different cheeses in a year, I believe that British cheese has always been of exceptional quality. The country’s unique climate and lush, rich pastures provide the perfect conditions for grazing animals to produce rich and creamy milk. Furthermore, thousands of years of cheese production in the British Isles have endowed this region with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that continues to thrive.

British and Irish cheeses are renowned globally for their excellence. Cheeses such as Blue Stilton, Shropshire Blue, Vintage Cheddar, Dorset Brie, Wensleydale, and Cheshire are among the world's finest. These cheeses, along with the region’s growing number of artisanal producers, have contributed significantly to the diverse and high-quality offerings that now rival those of France.

Global Rankings and Cheese Availability

While taste is a highly subjective matter, certain surveys and rankings can offer valuable insights. A recent ranking compiled by TasteAtlas suggests that British cheese is not among the top in the world, with West Country Farmhouse Cheddar ranking 37th. This ranking highlights the potential challenges in distributing high-quality British cheese to global markets. Availability of foreign cheeses often depends on the quality of distribution networks, which can be poor or even non-existent in some regions.

It is not surprising, therefore, that Italian cheeses frequently top the ranks. The efficient distribution of Italian products, partly due to the many Italians who have emigrated abroad, consistently allows these cheeses to be found almost everywhere. While some Italian cheeses may not be of the highest quality, they have carved a prominent place in the global cheese market. The popularity of cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano, often simply referred to as Grana, underscores the importance of effective distribution networks.

Quality and Tradition

Despite the challenges in distribution, the quality of British cheese remains unrivaled. Utilizing high-quality ingredients and years of expertise, producers in regions such as Cheddar Gorge ensure that their cheese is both flavorful and sophisticated. The natural caves in Cheddar Gorge are used to mature and store real Cheddar cheese at constant temperatures, resulting in distinctive flavors and textures that are highly prized.

The success of British cheese in the global market is also due to the growing number of local producers. These artisanal cheesemakers continue to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional cheese production, contributing to the diverse and high-quality offerings that attract cheese lovers worldwide.

As a summary, while there may be challenges in distributing and maintaining high-quality cheeses globally, the British remain at the forefront of cheese production. With a rich history, unique climate, and skilled artisan producers, British cheese continues to captivate and delight cheese enthusiasts around the world.