European Commission grants Wensleydale cheese protected status

The European Commission has awarded the cheese PGI Status; only cheese produced in the Yorkshire Dales will be allowed to carry the name.

17:18 20 December 2013

The European Commission has awarded the Wensleysale cheese Protected Geographical Indication status or PGI. This means that only the cheeses that were produced in the Yorkshire Dales will be allowed to use the name Yorkshire Wensleydale.

The Wensleydale Creamery, the producer of the cheese for over a century was “thrilled” by the decision.

The production of the white, crumbly cheese started in the 12th century. At the start of 1890’s, the cheese was commercially produced when the first creamery was built in Hawes.

In 1993, an EU legislation came into force in an effort to protect food names produced on certain locations based on traditional recipe being used. Other British products that are already protected include Cumberland Sausages and the Cornish Pasty.