HRH the Princess Royal is to visit a West Yorkshire cheese monger next month to celebrate their innovation as a small family run business.
Castleford based Cryer and Stott, were chosen personally by Her Royal Highness for the visit, which will take place on 25th January, thanks to the company’s innovation across all areas of their business.
The artisan cheese company, run by Richard and Clare Holmes will showcase their 20-year history during the visit, highlighting their achievements, unique product innovations and the positive role they play within the local community.
Starting off as a market stall in Wakefield selling milk and cheddar, the business now employs some 20 local staff across 3 retail outlets and supports around 300 local producers. As well as successful wholesale, export and production areas of the firm, their award winning food hall, Samuel Valentine, which was named after the couples children, was created in a former working mens club, and has acted as a catalyst for regeneration in the former mining community.
In honour of the area’s mining heritage and the royal visit, the team have also created a soft cows milk cheese with layer of edible ash through the centre which will be presented to the princess on the day.
Owner Richard said; “We’re delighted to be welcoming The Princess Royal to our Food Hall in January. To be personally chosen for the visit because of our success and innovation as a small family run company is fantastic and we’re looking forward to showing Her Royal Highness around the business, introducing her to our team and our products.”
During the visit a commemorative plaque will be unveiled to mark the occasion and Her Royal Highness will meet staff and local school children as well as a number special guests including Michelin starred chef Andrew Pern, Sir Gary Verity and former British Ambassador of Paris Lord Peter Ricketts who hosted the Cryer and Stott team at the British Embassy in 2014 and commissioned a special cheese for the event.
For more information on Cryer and Stott visit their website www.cryerandstott.co.uk