Thieves have made off with a significant amount of award-winning cheddar from Neal’s Yard Dairy in London. The stolen cheddar, totaling 48,488 pounds and valued at $390,000, was taken by a con artist posing as a wholesale distributor for a major French retailer. The theft was only discovered after the company realized it had been scammed and reported the incident.
The stolen cheddar included nearly 1,000 wheels of three different types of cheddar: Hafod Welsh organic cheddar, Westcombe cheddar, and Pitchfork cheddar. The value of these cheeses, along with their high quality, likely made them an attractive target for the thieves.
The director of Westcombe Dairy, Tom Calver, expressed devastation over the theft, particularly considering the effort that goes into making the cheese, which is aged for 12 to 18 months. Neal’s Yard Dairy has requested international cheesemongers to be vigilant and on the lookout for the stolen cheese, which may appear in 22-pound and 52-pound blocks.
In response to the theft, Neal’s Yard Dairy has ensured that all three cheesemakers have been paid in full, aligning with their commitment to supporting small independent businesses in the British cheese sector. The company has also involved detectives at Scotland Yard and international authorities in the search for the culprits responsible for the theft.
As the investigation continues, the dairy hopes to recover the stolen cheese and bring the perpetrators to justice. The theft serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting valuable goods and supporting local businesses in the food and drink industry. Neal’s Yard Dairy remains committed to upholding the quality and integrity of British artisanal cheeses despite this setback.
