Top food award lifts hard-hit Cheese Co

The Bath Soft Cheese Co has been lifted by a coveted award in a year when it has lost 50 per cent of its business due to Covid-19.

The Kelston-based producer’s handmade, single-herd, semi-hard Extra Mature Wyfe of Bath cheese won a

3 Star Great Taste Award in the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste Awards.

More than 12,000 products from 106 countries were blind-tasted by judges over 14 weeks as part of the 2020 awards, with just 205 gaining three stars. Judges said the Wyfe of Bath had “fabulous flavour and nutty, fudge notes”.

Managing director Hugh Padfield said while the business still faces challenges, the award is a huge boost at a time when things are slowly improving.

He said: “Earlier this year awards were the last thing on our mind, but to be recognised by such esteemed awards and at such a high level really is wonderful.

“The first half of 2020 was very tough for all cheesemakers but after focusing on our online sales they really saved us.”