A Lancashire cheesemaker is set to become the largest independent soft cheesemaker in the UK following the acquisition of another company.

Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, which has its dairy near the village of Inglewhite and offices in Longridge, has acquired Hampshire Cheese Company for an undisclosed sum.

Butlers has invested significantly in its soft cheese capacity in the last two years, with own-label and branded soft cheeses like Button Mill and Kidderton Ash driving its mission to be a powerhouse in British farmhouse soft cheese.

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Hampshire Cheese Company, a multi-award-winning artisan cheesemaker, was founded in 2005 by Stacey Hedges and has amassed a legion of fans for their much-loved soft cheeses, Tunworth and Winslade.

Matthew Hall, fourth-generation owner at Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, said: “Bringing two incredible cheeses like Tunworth and Winslade into our family is super exciting and consistent with our soft cheese strategy.

“The quality and reputation that Stacey and her team have established for Tunworth and Winslade is something we will be proud to nurture with their loyal customers.

“Over the years, Stacey has shared our mission to drive the British cheese renaissance in the UK and we are privileged to bring Tunworth and Winslade into our family, continue on that journey and get more of the amazing cheese being made in Britain to more people.”

Butlers has maintained momentum in its soft cheese strategy as it moves on from a serious fire at its office and packing site, Longridge, in November.

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The business was turning milk to cheese at its dairy within hours of the fire and ensured its range of soft cheeses was delivered to customers in time for Christmas.

Their range of blue cheeses, including its flagship brand Blacksticks, was back in supply in early February.

Butlers’ ownership of Hampshire Cheese Company is effective immediately.