The firm has struck a deal with UK foodservice company 3663 First for Foodservice, which works as the main carrier in the foodservice industry for established brands, delivering ingredients and products to the catering industry, including restaurants, pubs, cafes, clubs and the public sector.

The cheeses, which include the company's best seller Yorkshire Blue, together with Mrs Bells Blue, Fine Fettle Yorkshire Cheese, Katy's White Lavender, Olde York and Ryedale Pure & Simple, will be supplied into Northern 3663 depots from Gateshead, Wakefield, Nottingham and Manchester for distribution to customers in the Yorkshire region from the end of May.

Shepherds Purse was recently recognised for excellence in the Cheese, Dairy and Milk product category of the Caterer Group's 'Excellence in Food & Drink Awards', sponsored by 3663, and the judges were impressed by the company's outstanding Yorkshire Blue entry, which picked up the prestigious Gold Award. Yorkshire Blue has graced the likes of the House of Commons and Eurostar menus and is now available to 3663 Yorkshire customers.

John Kerwin, sales director at Shepherds Purse Cheeses, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the recent Gold Award win and the fact that coupled with Meet the Buyer events, it has brought our traditionally handmade cheeses to the attention of a major foodservice player, is a huge bonus.

“Food with real provenance is seeing a massive surge in interest by consumers and such products are increasingly being sought by the nation's kitchens who rely on quality local and regional ingredients and products to offer to their customers.

“As a small regional producer, this listing is testament to the quality of the cheeses we produce and we hope it will lead to further successes in the sector.”