Somerset-based family cheese maker expands globally with support from the UK Government and Barclays
- Established in 1861, Wyke Farms is the UK’s largest independent cheese producer, exporting around 6,000 tonnes of cheddar every year
- The business exports to over 160 countries, including Japan, Australia, South Africa and the USA
- Commitment to sustainability runs through the business with operations powered by 100% renewable energy
Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer, has received support from UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Barclays to help finance its Cheddar stock as its export sales have gone from strength to strength now exporting in over 160 countries.
Wyke Farms’ products are in high demand – but rising inflation has hugely impacted the cost of milk, increasing Wyke Farms’ production costs exponentially. Wyke Farms’ existing financing facility needed to be revisited to cover the increase in costs, so UKEF stepped in guaranteeing a £30 million General Export Facility with Barclays, allowing the business to continue its upwards trajectory and plough ahead with its global expansion plans.
Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch said:
I am delighted to see our first-class food producers take full advantage of opportunities outside the EU that trade opens up.
This funding will help Wyke Farms – a local, family-owned, and sustainable firm – promote their iconic British brand and sell more delicious British cheese to customers around the world.
Exporting the best of British Cheddar abroad
With the backing from UKEF, the third-generation family-owned cheese producer has continued building its market share in Europe after first entering the continent over 25 years ago. Now, its expansion is reaching new regions as it establishes brands in Japan, Australia, South Africa and the USA. Wyke Farms is also developing brands to specifically target Asian markets, including Japan, with its ‘London 1856’ brand putting the Union Jack on the heart of the packaging and the world’s first Carbon Neutral Vintage cheddar ‘Ivy’s…
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