FOR the first time in more than 60 years, the cheesemakers of Cheshire have assembled to discuss the state of their industry.

They met at Nunsmere Hall during the event heard presentations from the University of Chester and Reaseheath College outlining the investment they are making into the food and drink marketplace across the county.

The event was put together by the newly formed Food Cheshire group, chaired by David Pickering of Meadow Foods.

Mr Pickering said: “With this investment into the food sector by both the university and Reaseheath, it is important that the food stakeholders of our county understand how these facilities can help us grow our businesses and, with cheese being one of the best known food exports out of Cheshire, we felt this was the right place to start.”

Food Cheshire is a body made up of members of the university, Reaseheath, the Cheshire Business Leaders group, Taste Cheshire, the Learning Skills Council and Marketing Cheshire.

Stephen Wundke of Taste Cheshire said: “I think it is vital that stakeholder’s voices are heard and we all left the event with a very clear goal as to how we progress food and drink in Cheshire on behalf of our Cheshire cheesemakers.

“Things are really starting to move in the county now and, with David Pickering at the helm of Food Cheshire, we are working toward a very exciting year.”

The next time the cheesemakers will be seen is in a far less formal scene, at the annual Chester cheese rolling event, on Tuesday, February 12, in Bridge Street at 11am.

The defending champions, from The Cheshire Cheese Company, have been practising hard.

Managing director Richard Buxton said: “If cheese is in your blood – like it is ours – then you simply have to be involved in Chester’s cheese rolling.

“All that history, heritage and the cheesemakers of days gone by, coursing through your veins, makes for a wonderful event and a tribute to the art of cheesemaking.”