Scammers Stole More than 20 Tons of Cheddar Worth Nearly $400,000 From This Famed Shop in London
It's a stinkin' crime.
Neal's Yard Dairy, an artisan cheese purveyor in the UK, shared that it was the victim of a massive cheese theft that saw more than 22 tons of cheddar stolen out from under them.
"We have some difficult news to share. Neal's Yard Dairy has been the victim of a theft resulting in the loss of over 22 tons of clothbound Cheddar," the shop shared on its Instagram page. As it further explained, the theft was carried out by a fraudulent buyer who posed as a "legitimate wholesale distributor for a major French retailer."
The shop delivered more than 950 wheels of Hafod, Westcombe, and Pitchfork Cheddar before they discovered it was all a ruse. However, it added that "despite the significant financial blow, we have honored our commitment to our small-scale suppliers and paid all three artisan cheesemakers in full."
According to the BBC, the shop usually sells the Hafod Welsh for £12.90 (about 16.72) for 300g, the Westcombe for £7.15 (about $9.27) for 250g, and the Pitchfork for £11 (about $14.26) for 250g.
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https://www.nealsyarddairy.co.uk/
Select, mature, and sell outstanding British and Irish cheese
Our Mission
Improve British and Irish cheese by sharing information, fostering community, and prioritising sustainability.
Our Story
Championing British and Irish cheese since 1979
Neal's Yard
In the 1970s, a community of food businesses focused on quality and simplicity cropped up in a formerly derelict corner of Covent Garden – the eponymous Neal’s Yard. In 1979, Randolph Hodgson joined their ranks and founded Neal’s Yard Dairy. What began as a small shop stocking Greek-style yoghurt, creme fraiche, and a couple of cheeses grew with Randolph’s immersion in the British cheesemaking community. He began visiting cheesemakers, learning about their work and bringing cheeses back to his shop. That is still the core of what Neal’s Yard Dairy does today.
Cheesemakers
We currently work with about 40 cheesemakers from Britain and Ireland. While varying significantly in their backgrounds and personalities, what all of them share is a commitment to a slow, hands-on approach to cheesemaking. It is a commitment we share. We are proud to have stocked Beenleigh Blue, Stichelton, and many more of our cheeses for decades. We hope they are part of our story for years to come.
BOROUGH MARKET SHOP
8 Park Street, London, SE1 9AB
COVENT GARDEN SHOP
17 Shorts Gardens, London, WC2H 9AT
ISLINGTON SHOP
107 Essex Road, London, N1 2SL
BERMONDSEY SHOP
Arch 10, Apollo Business Park, Lucey Way, London, SE16 3UF