Long-dormant butter brand Moonraker is to be revived after being acquired by South Wales dairy company Evan Rees (Butter) Ltd from Dairy Crest.

The company purchased the brand earlier this month for an undisclosed fee and would be relaunching it in time for the Christmas period, targeting the UK retail and overseas ex-pat markets, said Daniel Carman, director of Evan Rees, which also produces Hollybush and Green Meadow butter.

“Moonraker was last active under the St Ivel brand, but creased production more than five years ago,” added Carman.

He said the brand was first established in 1898 and boasted a rich heritage “synonymous within the dairy trade” that had also seen it endorsed by the Queen.

It will be pitched at consumers as a “great British butter” with strong claims of provenance.

“We are already in talks with retailers, and the launch will be supported by a marketing campaign,” added Carmen.