WHITCHURCH cheese maker Belton Farm is celebrating its cheesemaking centenary with a string of awards at a major competition.

Belton picked up three accolades at at the 2022 International Cheese and Dairy Awards, including winning Reserve Champion UK Cheese, at the Staffordshire County Showground last week. A coloured Cheshire cheese landed the business 16 Golds, 20 Silvers and 18 Bronze in its centenary year.

The company also won the National Westminster Trophy for the 11th consecutive year, for having gained the most points in the show.

Managing director Justin Beckett said: "It has been a huge privilege to have been involved in the dairy industry for many years and rather special as the business is celebrating 100 years of cheese making by the Beckett family at Belton Farm.

"We’re delighted with this year’s results, particularly being awarded Reserve Champion UK Cheese winning with a Coloured Cheshire."

Belton received eight Trophies which included:

  • Sainsbury Trophy – Awarded for Best New Dairy Product – Smoked Red Fox
  • Farmhouse Cheesemakers Trophy – Awarded to White Cheshire
  • Cheese Company Trophy – Awarded to White Fox

Mr Beckett received an accolade for his industry leadership and work championing British cheese, in front of the industry VIP's and honoured guests that gathered at the Trade Luncheon.

He was also a leader in the Milk Development Council funded promotional campaign, to regain the public's interest in Cheshire Cheese.

He added: "We are extremely proud of our heritage and provenance, and it’s fantastic to see the quality of our cheese being recognised with these awards.

"These results are a true testament to the skill of our team of dedicated cheesemakers, and the milk sourced from over 65 local farms."