A self proclaimed supporter of everything Cheshire, and Cheshire cheese in particular, Graham was fascinated by Heler’s plight to save the depleting production of the historical and delicious cheese, which has decreased from over 40,000 tonnes to 6,500 tonnes today. Joseph Heler Cheese is the largest independent regional cheese producer in the UK and one of the last remaining producers of Cheshire cheese.
Graham was taken on a personal tour of the factory by Managing Director Mike Heler, being guided through the production, ageing and packing processes, as well as trying his hand at some cheese grading along the way.
Graham said: “Being a Cheshire boy born and bred I am always keen to draw attention to the county’s exceptional produce, both personally and as a Member of Parliament. Cheese is high on the food agenda for me and as such, it is an honour to help raise the profile of Cheshire cheese, when it has played such a key role in our nation’s history.”
Cheshire cheese predates all other English cheeses and its heritage stretches back to Roman times. Its fame was sealed forever with a mention in the Doomsday Book a thousand years later. Going back a century, there were 200 Cheshire cheese producers in the county. However, as the market filled with new regional and globally sourced varieties, demand for the product decreased.
Managing Director of Joseph Heler Cheese, Mike Heler, said: “It was a pleasure to meet Mr Evans and be given the opportunity to introduce ourselves as a company, as well as the work that we do on a local and national level. As one of the last remaining producers of Cheshire cheese, it was also important to highlight the exceptional quality of the cheese and discuss ways in which we can encourage our nation of cheese lovers to taste Cheshire.”