British farmer-owned dairy co-operative Omsco has launched its first branded range of organic cheddar specifically for the UK market.
The new Grass Roots Dairy Co range will begin being stocked in specialist cheesemongers, delis, independent retailers and farm shops from later this month, alongside selected wholesalers.
The range comprises a Mild Organic Cheddar (200g/rsp: £3.25), Mature Organic Cheddar (rsp: £3.50/ 200g) and an Extra Mature Organic Cheddar line (rsp: £3.75/ 200g).
It is produced in Somerset by Omsco’s strategic partner Wyke Farms from traditional recipes and techniques, using 100% renewable energy. The launch of a brand targeting UK consumers marks a first for Omsco, which has previously focused on dairy ingredients, own label products and cheese for export markets.
The supplier said it hoped the brand would tap into a growing demand from consumers “who care about the foods they eat; care about the animals that produce them; and care about the impact they have on the planet”.
Something that was central to the brand’s ethos was “the commitment of our organic dairy farmers to producing milk in a way that sustains and enhances the natural environment”, Omsco said.
“By farming in a low-impact, truly regenerative manner, our members promote biodiversity and by only using natural fertilisers on their land they enrich the natural goodness and fertility of their soils,” it added.
“In doing so, they create the nutrient-rich, pesticide and herbicide-free pastures that their cows love to feed on. While by working with, not against, nature they create a haven for the natural environment to thrive including valuable habitats for wildlife including birds, bees, and butterflies.”
The new range tapped into the “growing demand from consumers who care about the foods they eat, care about animal welfare, and care about the impact they have on the planet”, said Richard Hollingdale, Omsco’s commercial director.
“Grass Roots Dairy Co showcases all that is great about organic dairy and the sustainable and truly regenerative farming standards that our farmers are dedicated to delivering.”
The Omsco dairy system is accredited to be free from the use of pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilisers, GMOs and antibiotics. The brand’s cows graze on pasture for, on average, 235 days per year and farmers use regenerative methods to work with the natural environment.
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