High and goodbye for cheesemakers

8:55am Friday 17th August 2007

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One of Wales' best known producers, Llanboidy Cheesemakers, is celebrating after winning two top cheese awards in 24 hours.

The accolades come as company founder Sue Jones prepares to hand in the cheesecloth after 25 years.

The firm's Llanboidy Traditional Farmhouse Cheese was named Best Welsh Cheese and first prize winner at the Nantwich International Cheese Show - which attracts entries from cheese makers across the world - and was a first prize winner at the Royal Welsh Show.

"It is fantastic; I was busy on the stand at the Royal Welsh Show when I heard the news. To win at two such prestigious events in such a short space of time is tremendous," said Sue.

Sue is preparing to sell the business after more than 25 years making award-winning traditional and organic cheeses at her farm at Login, near Whitland, in Carmarthenshire.

Llanboidy Cheesemakers was also among the first producers in Wales to win a trophy in the Welsh Assembly-managed True Taste Awards, which were launched in 2002.

But now Sue has decided it is time for a change and is putting the business on the market.

"It has been a lot of hard work, but a wonderful experience," said Sue.

"We have seen a lot of changes in the Welsh dairy industry over the years, as well as in consumers' tastes.

"People are becoming more aware of the quality and diversity of Welsh cheeses, and they also want to know more about how food is produced.

"One of the things I have enjoyed over the years has been meeting people at shows and markets and talking to them about how we make the cheese."

Sue added she was glad to be going out on a high.