A significant theft of cheddar cheese has occurred, involving 22 tonnes of Neal’s Yard Dairy’s product.
- The cheese delivery, valued at £300,000, was mistakenly sent to an alleged fraudster.
- Neal’s Yard Dairy ensured compensation to producers affected by the theft.
- The incident highlights the importance of security in the food supply chain.
- Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has raised awareness about the stolen cheese.
A notable incident has transpired in London where 22 tonnes of cheddar cheese were stolen from Neal’s Yard Dairy. The cheese, valued at approximately £300,000, was delivered to an individual who claimed to be a wholesale distributor for a major French retailer. The error was discovered after the delivery.
Despite the significant financial impact, Neal’s Yard Dairy has chosen to compensate the affected suppliers, including Westcombe, Hafod, and Pitchfork. This decision has alleviated the financial burden on these artisan producers and demonstrated Neal’s Yard commitment to its partners.
Tom Calver, Director of Westcombe Dairy in Somerset, expressed his distress over the theft. “I was really concerned about what it was and the implications of it,” he stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation for producers who had supplied some of the stolen cheese.
The Metropolitan Police are actively investigating the theft, but no arrests have been made yet. Mr. Calver remarked, “It is ridiculous – out of all the things to steal in the world – 22 tonnes of cheese?” His comments underline the surprising nature of the crime, which has also drawn public attention to the value of artisan foods.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver appealed to his substantial social media following to be on the lookout for any suspiciously cheap cheese sales, referring to the theft as a “great cheese robbery.” This appeal is aimed at preventing the illicit distribution of the stolen cheese in various markets.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and trust in the food supply chain.
