Meet the producer: Ruth Bass, Cheshire Cheese Company
Here at Creamline, we’re extremely
proud of our links with spectacular local suppliers, as a way to both support
local and bring delicious produce from Greater Manchester and Cheshire to our
customers’ doorsteps.
This week, meet Ruth Bass of the
Cheshire Cheese Company. Ruth talks having fun with product development, why
she loves running a local business and her cheese of choice when it comes to
indulging!
Can you tell us a bit about
Cheshire Cheese Co’s background?
The Cheshire Cheese Company was
grown from the directors’ shared appreciation for great cheese. Just like
Creamline, we believe in locally sourcing as many ingredients as possible, and
the team’s priority is simply making delicious cheese in our Cheshire hometown.
Many of our cheese flavours have local influences - one of our customers’
favourites - Old Hag, is made using Wincle Ale from the local brewery. We love
a good twist on a classic – and the resulting flavour combinations we’re known
for can often be quirky, but always tasty!
We’re based in Macclesfield, just
down the road really from our friends at Creamline.
What’s the company best known
for – and why do you think that is?
Very locally, we’re known as the
friendly faces of a local business that’s working hard to quietly build a tasty
reputation. I love hearing customers’ comments about our cheese and I know
we’re especially well known for our caramelised onion and Rioja cheddar.
What do you most love about your
job?
I love that it’s born from my
passion for cheese! The Cheshire Cheese Co is a completely new direction for me
– I worked for years in HR for the NHS. I was so keen to do something where my
entrepreneurial streak and love of great food could combine, and I like to
think that in developing the Cheshire Cheese Co, that passion for my job and
the business shines through! I really enjoy the variety that comes with working
in a small business. From new product development to account management, every
day brings something different.
Why do you think people are so
interested in where their food comes from these days?
I think it’s all about traceability
which leads to trust. There’s a definite growing fascination with provenance
and that’s probably got something to do with everyone leading such busy lives
these days - it helps us feel connected to our food’s roots and the local
community, which has got to be a good thing.
If you were sitting down with a
snack of cheese and biscuits, what would be your choice?
If I were feeling indulgent and in
the mood for a treat, I’d go for Sticky Toffee Heaven! My go-to favourite
though, is a traditional Cheshire cheese with a good dollop of chilli jam. With
thirteen varieties of cheese, I’m spoilt for choice and never get bored!
Do you try and shop locally a
lot yourself?
I do, whenever I can. I live in
Hale, so there’s a great local high street, and I’m very keen on the idea of
supporting likeminded businesses.
