Yester’s cheese in running for national award

Yester Farm Dairies Ltd hopes to beat two industry giants at June's Scottish Food and Drink Excellence Awards.

The farm, near Gifford, only launched its artisan cheese range within the last six months.

Now, Simon and Jackie McCreery’s company’s natural cottage cheese will attempt to defeat Graham’s The Family Dairy Spreadable Butter and Mackie’s of Scotland’s white chocolate and coconut indulgent dairy ice cream to win the dairy section of the awards.

Jackie said: “We are up against two very established old businesses but it is good to see all are family businesses. We are probably the little guy in the category but it is brilliant to be nominated.

“We have only just started selling the cottage cheese that we have been nominated for.”

The awards, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, are dubbed the Scottish food and drink ‘Oscars’ and are already sold out.

A record-breaking 245 entries were received this year from a range of businesses.

James Withers, Scotland Food & Drink chief executive, said: “The Excellence Awards is a flagship event in the Scottish food and drink industry’s calendar, recognising high calibre across the sector.

“It rewards the standout products, outstanding individuals and best practice across one of Scotland’s most successful industries.

“This year’s awards have received a record 245 entries across retail and foodservice product and business categories from 137 food and drink companies countrywide.

“The shortlist recognises a wide range of businesses, from artisan producers to established brands.

“Our expert judges remarked on the high standard of entries.”

Yester Farm Dairies set up a soft cheese processing unit which allows them to produce traditional-style mozzarella and spreadable soft cheeses in addition to cultured creams such as creme fraiche and sour cream.

Currently, the business employs 23 members of staff, with intentions to grow the business further in the coming months.