THE iconic Wensleydale Creamery has been recognised for its quality and commitment to British exports, having been invited to showcase its handcrafted cheese as part of the Downing Street Festive Showcase - an event featuring a select range of the UK’s finest businesses.

With exports accounting for almost a fifth (18 per cent) of Wensleydale Creamery's business, the award-winning traditional cheesemaker based in Hawes, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, sells its cheese in 16 different countries worldwide.

Yorkshire Wensleydale and Cranberries, the company’s most popular export cheese, was showcased alongside its artisan range including Wensleydale Blue, Kit Calvert Old-Style Wensleydale, as well as its range of flavoured waxed cheese truckles and hampers. 

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Its signature Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese was also featured and served with fruit cake, a favourite regional delicacy. 

The event comes just a month ahead of the 10th anniversary year of achieving official Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese. 

Being recognised with protected status sets it apart from other Wensleydale cheeses that are produced around the UK, outside of the designated area of Wensleydale.  

Consumers can be assured they are buying the original, authentic cheese by looking out for Yorkshire Wensleydale.

Chris Thomson, Managing Director at the Wensleydale Creamery, said: "We’re incredibly proud to have been invited to appear at the Downing Street Festive Showcase. 

"The event was a true celebration of great British exports, and to be featured alongside so many remarkable businesses has been a real high point of the year. 

"It was great to be able to take our small piece of the Yorkshire Dales to Downing Street and highlight just how special our cheese is."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is MP for Richmondshire (Yorkshire), where the Wensleydale Creamery is based said: 

"I'm delighted to have welcomed Wensleydale Creamery to Downing Street this week as part of our festive street market showcasing the best of British businesses. 

"Wensleydale is a great Yorkshire cheese, and the company has grown to employ over 200 people and export as far afield as Australia, showcasing the best of fine Yorkshire produce across the world."