Family-run artisan cheesemaker Shepherds Purse is expanding its nationwide supermarket presence, rolling out Harrogate Blue and Yorkshire Blue in new-look packaging to more than 300 Morrisons stores across the country.
Based near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, the independent business has launched its new 150g pre-packs in time for the festive season, with Morrisons becoming the first retailer to stock the updated format.
The rollout builds on a 25-year partnership between the local producer and the supermarket chain. Morrisons was an early champion of Yorkshire Blue, taking it from local Yorkshire shelves in the early 2000s to its Market Street cheese counters nationwide. This latest launch marks the first time Harrogate Blue will also be available in Morrisons stores across the UK.
The new format represents Shepherds Purse’s first major brand refresh in over ten years. Developed over two years, the packaging features a recyclable tray and cardboard sleeve designed to extend shelf life, make the packs easier to reseal, and improve sustainability.
“British cheese is some of the best in the world, and our ambition has always been to share it with as many people as possible,” said Caroline Bell, Joint Managing Director of Shepherds Purse. “Seeing Harrogate Blue go nationwide alongside Yorkshire Blue is a real milestone for a family business like ours. We’ve spent two years getting this format right, meaning it’s more sustainable, keeps the cheese at its best for longer, and helps us work more efficiently as demand keeps growing.”
Bethan Oliver, Speciality Cheese Buyer at Morrisons, added: “We’re proud to build on our 25-year partnership with Shepherds Purse by bringing Harrogate Blue and Yorkshire Blue to our stores. Our customers love exceptional regional cheeses, and being first to offer these award-winning favourites in eco-friendly packaging just in time for Christmas is a fantastic win.”
Founded in the 1980s by Judy Bell MBE and now run by her daughters Caroline Bell and Katie Matten, Shepherds Purse handcrafts ten varieties of cheese using local cow’s, organic cow’s, sheep’s, and water buffalo’s milk.
The new 150g packs are available now across Morrisons stores, alongside independent delis, farm shops, and online at shepherdspurse.co.uk.
