UK's Greenest Cheddar: 300-Year-Old Wyke Farms Enters U.S. Market

FAIRFIELD, N.J. – January 08, 2026 – In a significant move for the American specialty food landscape, fourth-generation importer Schuman Cheese today announced an exclusive partnership with Wyke Farms, the United Kingdom's largest independent cheese producer. The deal positions Schuman as the sole U.S. supplier for the esteemed Wyke Farms and its premium Ivy's Reserve line of British cheddars and butters, introducing nearly 300 years of Somerset cheesemaking heritage to a new audience.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. specialty cheese market, which is projected to surpass $53 billion by 2035. As American consumers increasingly seek out authentic, high-quality, and ethically produced foods, the arrival of a brand with deep roots in both tradition and environmental stewardship is poised to make a substantial impact.

A Strategic Alliance Forged in Cheese

The partnership is a calculated step for Schuman Cheese, a company that has built its reputation since 1945 on curating and stewarding world-class cheese brands in North America. By adding Wyke Farms to its portfolio, Schuman not only expands its offering of imported cheddars but also solidifies its position as a dominant force in the premium and heritage cheese segments. The U.S. market has shown a voracious appetite for specialty cheeses, with sales growing at a compound annual rate of 5.0% as consumers trade up for unique flavors and compelling brand stories.

"Schuman has a long history of building brands with purpose and longevity in the U.S. market," said Ian Schuman, EVP of International Business Development at Schuman Cheese. "Wyke and Ivy's Reserve bring exceptional quality, provenance, and sustainability credentials to our portfolio, while offering a distinct British cheddar profile that expands choice for both retailers and consumers."

This move places Wyke Farms' products directly into Schuman's extensive distribution network, which services high-end grocery stores, in-store delis, and gourmet shops across the country. For retailers, the partnership offers a clear product ladder, from accessible premium imports to the top-tier, heritage-driven Ivy's Reserve. It provides a compelling new option in a competitive landscape that includes established British brands like Keen's Farmhouse Cheddar and Quicke's, distinguishing itself with a powerful combination of history and forward-thinking sustainability.

From Somerset Soil to American Shelves

At the heart of this partnership lies the story of Wyke Farms, a family-run business rooted in the lush pastures of Somerset, England, since 1861. The Clothier family has been farming the land and making cheese for generations, perfecting a traditional cheddar recipe that has been passed down for over 160 years. The company’s premium Ivy's Reserve range is named in honor of Ivy Clothier, the family matriarch whose original farmhouse recipes remain the cornerstone of the brand's identity.

These cheddars are aged in Somerset, allowing them to develop a distinctly creamy texture and complex, layered flavor profile that stands apart from mass-produced alternatives. The brand’s farmhouse butter is similarly crafted with intention, slow-churned from traditionally aged cream to create a rich, smooth product ideal for cheese boards and elevated culinary use. This commitment to craftsmanship has earned Wyke Farms numerous awards and a global reputation, with its products exported to 167 countries.

Richard Clothier MBE, Managing Director and third-generation cheesemaker at Wyke Farms, reflected on the brand's international journey. "My grandmother Ivy seldom left Somerset—she never even travelled on a plane—so she would be truly amazed to know that the cheese and butter bearing her name are now enjoyed across the United States. Partnering with Schuman Cheese, whose values so closely align with our own, allows us to share the unique character and heritage of Somerset farmhouse cheddar with a new audience."

The Green Cheddar: A New Standard in Sustainable Dairy

Beyond its rich heritage, Wyke Farms is a global pioneer in sustainable dairy production. The company's '100% Green' strategy is a comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship that sets it apart in the global food industry. Wyke Farms is the UK's first national cheddar brand to be 100% self-sufficient in green energy, generating all its electricity and gas from renewable sources.

A state-of-the-art anaerobic digester is central to this initiative. The facility converts farm and dairy waste into biogas, powering the cheesemaking operations and preventing the release of harmful greenhouse gases. This process alone saves over 20 million kilos of CO₂ annually and produces a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that displaces artificial alternatives on local farms. This is supplemented by extensive solar arrays and a sophisticated water recovery plant that reclaims and reuses up to 95% of the factory's wastewater.

This dedication to sustainability culminated in Ivy's Reserve Vintage Cheddar being certified as the world's first carbon-neutral branded cheddar by the Carbon Trust in 2022. The certification, achieved through rigorous footprint analysis and emission reduction efforts across its entire supply chain, validates Wyke Farms' position as one of Europe's most sustainable food producers. For the growing number of American consumers who prioritize environmental impact in their purchasing decisions, this verifiable green credential is a powerful differentiator.

A New Choice for the Discerning American Palate

The introduction of Wyke Farms and Ivy's Reserve into the U.S. market arrives at a time of peak consumer interest in food provenance and quality. U.S. cheese consumption is at an all-time high, but shoppers are increasingly turning away from processed options in favor of European-style and artisanal cheeses that offer a more indulgent and authentic experience. The demand for products with clean ingredients, ethical sourcing, and a compelling story has never been stronger.

Through Schuman Cheese, these storied British products will now be available to a wider audience, meeting the demand for both exceptional taste and responsible production. The partnership provides American consumers with a chance to experience a true farmhouse cheddar, crafted with centuries of expertise and a profound respect for the land. As retailers look to enhance their specialty deli counters with unique and meaningful offerings, the arrival of a brand that so perfectly blends tradition with innovation is a welcome addition.