More than £300,000 worth of cheddar has been stolen from a London-based cheesemonger in what appears to be an elaborate scam. Neal’s Yard Dairy reported that approximately 950 wheels (22 tonnes) of cloth-bound cheese were delivered to a fraudster posing as a wholesale distributor for a major French retailer. It was later discovered that the firm was fake.
The Southwark company stated that they have already paid the producers of the cheese to ensure that the individual dairies do not suffer financially. They are currently collaborating with the police to identify the individuals responsible for the theft. Among the artisan cheddars stolen were Hafod Welsh, Westcombe, and Pitchfork, which typically sell for £7 to £12 for approximately 300g of cheese.
Neal’s Yard Dairy is urging cheesemongers worldwide to reach out to them if they suspect they have been sold any of the stolen cheddar, particularly in 10kg or 24kg formats. The company, known for selling British and Irish farm-made and artisan cheeses since the 1980s, operates four shops in London and also has an online and subscription-based platform.
Tom Calver, from producer Westcombe Dairy, expressed his dismay at the theft, emphasizing the amount of effort that goes into creating each batch of cheese. He mentioned that the process begins almost three years prior when seeds are planted for the animals’ feed, highlighting the dedication to best farming practices.
Hafod cheddar farm owner Patrick Holden described the incident as a breach of trust and a violation of the good faith and respect that is essential in the industry. He emphasized the importance of integrity and keeping one’s word in the business.
A spokesperson from Neal’s Yard Dairy stated that the company is working to ensure financial stability and support the ongoing growth of the British artisan cheese sector. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police is conducting an investigation into the theft of the large quantity of cheese, with enquiries ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident has raised concerns within the cheesemaking community regarding security measures and verification processes when dealing with distributors and clients. It serves as a reminder to all producers and retailers to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of their business partners to prevent similar scams in the future.