Budget supermarket Aldi has struck a deal with the world's oldest cheddar maker, Barber's, which boasts over 200 years of heritage. The Somerset-based cheesemaker is expanding its seven-year partnership with Aldi, with listings now across the UK, US, and Australia.
A Legacy of Cheese Making
The Barber family began farming at Maryland Farm in Ditcheat in 1833, making it the oldest surviving cheddar maker in the world. What started as one man producing cheese for his family has grown into a seventh-generation business, now supplying Aldi's customers globally.
Barber's works with nearly 150 farms across Somerset and Dorset, in addition to the major supermarket. All cows are grass-fed and, last year, spent an average of 223 days out at pasture. The cheesemaker claims its approach supports cows in expressing natural behaviours, and earlier this year, Barber's farms became completely soya-free.
Commitment to Sustainability
The business also takes pride in caring for the land, with a focus on encouraging wildlife and improving soil health to help produce high-quality milk. Barber's cheeses were first stocked in Aldi in 2019, and since then the range has expanded. Now, the business supplies Cheddar, Red Leicester, and Wensleydale, as well as seasonal favourites, to stores across the UK, US, and Australia.
As part of the ranges over the years, the cheesemaker has been able to experiment with seasonal flavours for the store, including a festive Wensleydale Ballycastle with White Chocolate and Caramel, and Cheddar and Pineapple.
Partnership Praise
Simon O'Brien, Head of UK Sales at Barber's, said: 'I'm incredibly proud to be working with Aldi and of the products we've created together. Having products on their shelves is a huge achievement for us.'
'That success is built on our farming-first approach, working with nearly 150 farms across Somerset and Dorset. All our herds are grass-fed and spent an average of 223 days grazing outdoors last year, and our switch to completely soya-free feed across supplying farms earlier this year.'
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: 'Barber's is a fantastic example of a long-standing British producer combining such strong heritage with a flair for developing new flavours. As the world's oldest cheddar maker, their commitment to quality and close relationships with local farmers really sets them apart.'
