What will Wallace and Gromit think of it all? The famous film characters’ favourite cheese could be bound for Latin America.
Wensleydale cheese could end up for sale in Mexico where the English company that makes it is considering expansion.
Yorkshire based Wensleydale Creamery is attending the Thought Exchange event in Mexico to look at business opportunities in the region.
Managing director David Hartley said it is a change to develop an in depth understanding of the business etiquette and culture in Latin America and see what opportunities are there for expansion.
Wensleydale Creamery is at her forefront in terms of looking for global opportunities. It has been named as being among the UK most innovative and forward thinking companies, after reaching the regional finals of the Business Thinking 2010 initiative from banking giant HSBC.
If successful the creamery could win a prize of £5 million in lending, plus a financial reward of up to £100,000. ‘It is very satisfying for The Wensleydale Creamery to be officially recognised by business experts for its ambition, innovation and strong management team whose acumen is helping the business forge ahead,’ said Hartley.
‘I am looking forward to my trip to Mexico, which will allow me to develop an in depth understanding of the business etiquette and culture, as well as the business opportunities, in that part of the world,’ he added.
Following his return from Mexico, Mr Harley will take part in a second phase of the Business Thinking 2010 initiative that will see him present a refined business case based on insights gained on the Thought Exchange.
The Wensleydale Creamery has made substantial investment this year in creating new recipes and expanding its base. It recently opened the first phase of a £800,000 expansion to its visitor centre, comprising a new coffee shop and new speciality cheese shop and deli.
The creamery is also currently in the final stage of its fight to give Wensleydale Cheese Protected Designation of Origin status from the European Union. If it is successful it would be illegal to call a product Wensleydale Cheese if it is made outside Wensleydale, giving it the same legal protection as Parma ham or champagne.
Wensleydale Creamery already sends nearly £2million worth of its produce overseas each year, with most going to America and Canada but it is also sold in France. Its exports have increased 23% over the last two years and it sees Latin America as a potential route for further expansion.
As Wallace would say; ‘Queso encantador Gromit’ (‘Lovely cheese Gromit’).
