Wyke Farms unveils “world’s first” carbon-neutral cheddar

British cheesemaker Wyke Farms has unveiled the “world’s first” carbon-neutral branded cheddar, named Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar.

Ivy’s Reserve is matured for 18 months under wood to bring out a “rounded” flavour profile which is slightly sweet and nutty.

The carbon-neutral status builds on Wyke Farms’ work in improving environmental performance across the core areas: farming, production, conservation and offsetting. 

The cheese is made using 100% green energy, with electricity and gas sourced from Wyke Farm’s own self-generated solar power and from biogas generated from farm and dairy waste.

Rich Clothier, managing director at Wyke Farms, said: “This has been a 12-year journey for us. We started our 100% green strategy in 2010 when we made a commitment to energy independence and generating all of our gas and electric from renewables.”

He continued: “Since then, we have invested in our knowledge base across this business and on-farm driving environmental improvement year on year. Ivy’s Reserve is a world first and an industry shake-up. This will continue to be our focus in the years ahead as we push for more net positive improvements.”

Ivy’s Reserve is now available online in the UK for an RRP of £15 for three 250g blocks. It is also available in branches of Costco in the US.