The team at North Yorkshire based Shepherds Purse Cheeses are celebrating after winning the Supreme Champion Cheese Award for their Organic Yorkshire Blue at the 2026 Great Yorkshire Show Cheese & Dairy Awards.
The family run company, who produce a range of handcrafted creamy blue and soft white cheeses from their farm near Thirsk, took home a total of 20 medals at the prestigious event, which attracts entries from cheesemakers and producers from across the UK and Europe.
Alongside taking the top spot, Organic Yorkshire Blue was also named Best Organic Product, whilst their Buffalo Blue won both the Best Blue and Best Specialist Cheese Makers categories.
Joint managing director of Shepherds Purse Katie Matten said: “The Great Yorkshire Show is now becoming one of the UK’s most respected dairy competitions, attracting entries from many of the country’s leading cheesemakers. To be recognised across so many categories, and to be awarded the competition’s highest honour for our Organic Yorkshire Blue is a tremendous achievement for everyone here at Shepherds Purse.”
Mild and creamy, with grassy, herbaceous notes, Organic Yorkshire Blue was launched in 2024 to mark the company’s 35th anniversary and became the first cheese added to the Shepherds Purse range made using organic milk, sourced locally from the team at Acorn Dairy.
Katie continues: “These awards are a reflection of the dedication and expertise of our entire team. From sourcing exceptional milk to carefully handcrafting every cheese, we’re incredibly proud of everyone involved in producing cheeses that continue to be recognised among the very best in Britain.”
For more information visit www.shepherdspurse.co.uk