Shepherds Purse win two trophies at international event

Katie Matten and Caroline Bell.

The team at a North Yorkshire-based artisan cheese company are celebrating after winning two trophies at this year’s International Cheese & Dairy Awards (ICDAs).

Family run Shepherds Purse, who produce a range of handcrafted creamy blue and soft white cheeses from their farm near Thirsk, were awarded The Judy Bell Trophy for the Champion UK Sheep Milk Cheese for their Mrs Bell’s Blue along with The ALPMA GB Trophy for Champion Home International for Harrogate Blue at the event in Staffordshire last week.

Competing against hundreds of entries from cheesemakers from across the globe, the presentation of the Judy Bell Trophy was made even more poignant as it was named after Shepherds Purse founder Judy and comes as the team are celebrating 30 years since the launch of Mrs Bell’s Blue.

Joint managing director of Shepherds Purse Caroline Bell, who runs the business alongside sister Katie Matten, said: “Winning awards is always so exciting for us, but receiving The Judy Bell Trophy for our much-loved Mrs Bell’s Blue in its 30th anniversary year is truly special.

“Mrs Bell’s Blue along with Yorkshire Blue were our first two blue cheeses created by our mum back in 1995, so it’s a lovely homecoming and we’re absolutely delighted.

“This, along with winning The ALPMA GB Trophy for our Harrogate Blue and our other medals this year is a fantastic achievement and we’re so proud of our team here at Shepherds Purse who work meticulously to produce delicious, handcrafted cheese of the highest standard.”

Alongside the two trophies, the team also took home four gold medals for Mrs Bell’s Blue, Organic Yorkshire Blue and Harrogate Blue as well as two further Silvers and three Bronzes across a number of categories.

Caroline said: “The ICDA’s are always an inspiring event to attend and bring together so many passionate people and cheesemakers from across the world.

“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate all the hard work and innovation that goes on behind the scenes throughout the industry.”

Established in the 1980s by Judy Bell MBE, Shepherds Purse is now run by her two daughters Caroline Bell and Katie Matten.

“Their internationally award-winning range is handcrafted on the family farm using the finest quality cow, ewe and buffalo milk, and is available across the UK in supermarkets, farm shops and independent retailers, as well as online at shepherdspurse.co.uk.

 

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