Speciality Food Magazine - April 2026

36 CHEESE TALK W e work closely with skilled producers across the UK and Europe to ensure their cheeses reach the reach the right outlets, whether that’s an independent deli, farm shop, garden centre, or national retailer, helping them grow and maintain visibility in an increasingly competitive market. This commitment has been central to the business since 1967, and it continues to guide our relationships with suppliers today. By continually seeking out exceptional products and working closely with producers who prioritise authenticity and skill, we help preserve and promote the traditions that make this industry so unique. Our passion comes frommore than 50 years of supporting exceptional cheesemakers. Since Rowcliffe was founded in 1967, the business has been driven by a desire to support skilled producers and bring their work to a wider audience. That commitment to craft, quality, and authenticity is still at the heart of what we do today. We’ve always believed that great cheese reflects the people and expertise behind it – passion is key and it’s always refreshing to see new cheesemakers; “Supporting the cheese industry” AT ROWCLIFFE, SUPPORTING THE CHEESE INDUSTRY STARTS WITH CHAMPIONING THE ARTISANS BEHIND IT As the industry evolves, we remain focused on championing craftsmanship, nurturing producers, and supporting retailers with high- quality curated ranges either family dairies passing their craft down through generations or people new to the industry. At the same time, we’re passionate because supporting producers ultimately enriches the entire industry. When artisan makers thrive, retailers benefit, consumers enjoy greater choice and quality, and the wider cheese community stays vibrant and diverse. That sense of shared success is what motivates us to invest our time, energy, and expertise into nurturing those relationships. It is vital that businesses like Rowcliffe support the cheese sector. Many artisan dairies rely on partners like us to bridge the gap between small-scale production and national retail reach. Without that support, traditional skills and unique regional cheeses risk being lost. Our role contributes to securing the future of a diverse and resilient cheese industry. In 2026, we’re proud to further support both the Virtual Cheese Awards and the British & Irish Cheese Awards, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and recognition in British and Irish cheesemaking. We are currently reviewing how we can support Irish cheesemakers in conjunction with the SCA to become more present in the UK market, something both Covid and Brexit badly affected. Rowcliffe’s heritage has always been rooted in supporting the makers behind great cheese. As the industry evolves, we remain focused on championing craftsmanship, nurturing producers, and supporting retailers with high- quality curated ranges. Bettine reveals bold new look Bettinehas set its sights onboosting sales of goat’s cheese through its bold newpackagingdesignandbrandpositioning. Promoting everyday consumption and the health credentials of goat’s cheese, the new-look range includes Goat’s Cheese Slices andGoat’s Cheese Pearls – bothversatile and convenientways tomake frequent consumption of goat’s cheese easier than ever. Both award-winning products are enjoying +22%YOYgrowth as shoppers seek out versatile and protein-rich ingredients, and the new look aims to capitalise on this demandwith its distinctive combination of modern clarity and approachability. AmandaBurningham, Emmi Cheese brand lead, said, “Goat’s cheese is a categorywith huge untapped potential, yet it has often felt niche or reserved for special occasions.With Bettine,we’re changing that bymaking goat’s cheese more accessible for today’s time-poor shopperswho still want tasty, nutritious meal and snack solutions. Ourmild, creamy and convenient range is designed to remove barriers to entry - leading with great taste, everydayversatility and ease of use. Naturally high in protein and typically lower in fat thanmany other cheeses, Bettine can be a truemeal hero. Alongside this, our newpackaging creates strong stand-out on shelf, simplifies the shop and inspires people to enjoy goat’s cheese every day - fromsalads and sandwiches to pizzas and beyond.” Bettine has announced amarketing campaign to take place during the summer – ‘GOATyour ownway’ –whichwill bring together sampling, POS, social media activity and influencer partnerships to drive sales. Affineur of the Year returns for 2026 Thisyear’s iterationofTheAcademy of Cheese’s eventwill includean educationdayfortradevisitors, its first evergoat’s cheese, andabrand newtrophy. The international reputation ofAffineurof theYear is growing, and this year the competitionwill welcome newjudges fromaround theworld including JoshWindsor fromMurray’s Cheese inNew York –which is also sponsoring its newgrandprize, a fully funded professional development experiencewith the caves teamat their state-of-the-art cheese aging facility inNewYorkCity. This year also sees the introductionof theMons Formation Rising StarAward,whichwill be presented to the competitorwho demonstrates outstanding potential andunderstanding in the art of cheese affinage regardless of their final position in the competition. Thewinnerwill be invited to attend afive-dayaffinage coursewith LaurentMons andEmmaYoung, cheese consultant and author, at the Mons FromagerAffineurCaves in the Loire regionof France. Affineurof theYearbrings togetherprofessionals fromacross the cheese industry to celebrate the artistryof affinage. PAUL HEASMAN , ROWCLIFFE bookhamharrison.co.uk/trade | 01403 339 150 SUSSEX CHARMER The award-winning cheese the nation is talking about — now ready for your shelves. Mature Cheddar meets Italian-style hard cheese. Matured 15 months. Creamy, zingy, unmistakable. Retail Starter Pack — 6 x 200g Cubes | £19.25 ✓ Free delivery ✓ Point of sale leaflets ✓ Sale or Return ✓ 40.25% margin As seen in Waitrose’s Christmas Ad with Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson!