Wyke Farms have released new data from TNS confirming retail sales from December ‘08 – December ‘09 reached 70 million, the highest figure the company has ever achieved. Indicative of the company’s fast growth strategy and position as strongest challenger brand within the category, this figure represents a benchmark for Wyke Farms who intend to go even further in 2010.

Despite the tough trading environment during 2009 Wyke Farms achieved a significant increase in sales during the year and attribute much of their success to smarter above the line promotional activity and a strong sampling program.  Substantial investment into brand awareness took place during 2009 when Wyke Farms increased high impact print and broadcast advertising campaigns. The company also reached over 3 million members of the public on their sampling tours.

Richard Clothier, third generation family member & Managing Director, is planning further activity this year,  “2009 presented us all with some unprecedented challenges, it’s exactly that type of environment where entrepreneurial thinking and a genuine passion for what you do shines through.  We are planning extra investment into brand awareness during 2010 with targeted print and broadcast advertising campaigns, using TV and national food titles, to inspire confidence with our suppliers, customers and consumers.”

Wyke Farms, known for their unique provenance and the superior quality of their products, have maintained the art of traditional cheese making on their Somerset farm where the Clothier family have been making cheddar to Ivy Clothier’s same original secret recipe since 1902.  Staying loyal to the families’ heritage and approach to farming has given Wyke Farms a unique ability to produce a wide variety of traditional, real farmhouse cheddars.

The 100 years of tradition at Wyke Farms are now matched by over 100 trophies, awards and prizes won by the company at national cheese shows.  From an original 3000 plus, Wyke Farms is now one of less that 20 farmhouse cheese makers remaining in the West Country and today its mild, mature, extra mature and vintage cheddars are sold throughout Europe in over 25,000 retailers.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.

Leskol, half fat cheese makes it even easier to stay in shape this new-year with a fresh re-sealable zip packaging design.  Fans of the healthier alternative to full fat cheddar can now enjoy the improved smooth and creamy taste for longer as the improved packaging helps to keep the cheese fresh for longer.

Looking, tasting, slicing and cooking the same as any Mature Cheddar, Leskol has one big difference; it has 1.3% saturated fat, approximately 90% less than regular Mature Cheddar. Naturally rich in protein and calcium and with added Omega 3 and Omega 6, Leskol Half fat Cheddar is an ideal family food.

Appealing to the discerning female shopper the new Leskol packaging communicates the associated health benefits in a bright, fresh design. The enhanced Leskol has an even smoother texture with a full-bodied flavour that is not usually associated with healthier alternatives.

Award winning cheese makers, Wyke Farms originally developed Leskol to alleviate the high cholesterol of their chairman, John Clothier. It took 2 years to refine the recipe and was a real labour of love made for the family by the family. Last year the company redesigned the packaging in response to an overwhelming interest from the consumer for information on the story behind the cheese.  Twelve months later this redesign is as a result of further consumer feedback.

Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, today unveil the latest addition to their range of traditional cheddar and butter products, a new spreadable version of their award-winning Truly Scrumptious Farmhouse Butter. Available in 500g tubs, the new spreadable butter is the perfect marriage of traditional farmhouse flavour and modern-day convenience.

With all of the same great flavour that has made Wyke Farms’ farmhouse butter a household name, the new Truly Scrumptious Spreadable version spreads smoothly and evenly straight from the fridge. Ideal for busy mums on the go, this new butter provides easy convenience without sacrificing the flavour and quality that go into every product in the family-run company’s range.