Shepherds Purse, a family-run business, which operates from a farm near Thirsk, crafts a variety of creamy blue and soft white cheeses.
From among a multitude of global entries, Shepherds Purse’s Mrs Bell’s Blue was awarded the Judy Bell Trophy for Champion UK Sheep Milk Cheese.
This accolade is particularly significant as it is named in honour of Shepherds Purse’s founder and comes on the 30th anniversary of Mrs Bell’s Blue.
Harrogate Blue, another of the company’s creations, picked up the ALPMA GB Trophy for Champion Home International.
Caroline Bell, joint managing director of Shepherds Purse, who runs the business alongside her sister Katie Matten, said: “Winning awards is always so exciting for us, but receiving The Judy Bell Trophy for our much-loved Mrs Bell’s Blue in its 30th anniversary year is truly special.
“Mrs Bell’s Blue along with Yorkshire Blue were our first two blue cheeses created by our mum back in 1995, so it’s a lovely homecoming and we’re absolutely delighted.
“This, along with winning The ALPMA GB Trophy for our Harrogate Blue and our other medals this year is a fantastic achievement and we’re so proud of our team here at Shepherds Purse who work meticulously to produce delicious, handcrafted cheese of the highest standard.”
In addition to their trophy wins, Shepherds Purse also scooped four gold medals, two silvers, and three bronzes across various categories for their Mrs Bell’s Blue, Organic Yorkshire Blue, and Harrogate Blue.
The company was established in the 1980s by Judy Bell MBE.
Caroline added: “The ICDA’s are always an inspiring event to attend and bring together so many passionate people and cheesemakers from across the world.
“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate all the hard work and innovation that goes on behind the scenes throughout the industry.”
The internationally award-winning range is crafted on the family farm using high-quality cow, ewe, and buffalo milk.
Shepherds Purse cheeses are available nationwide in supermarkets, farm shops, independent retailers, and online.
For more details on Shepherds Purse and their award-winning range of cheeses, visit shepherdspurse.co.uk.