The Ilchester Cheese Co., formerly known as Norseland Limited, has made the decision to return to its original name as part of a move to honor its heritage and strengthen its ties to the local community in Ilchester. As the UK’s leading blended cheese supplier, the company takes pride in its role as a major local employer, with around 175 individuals working across its production facilities and office at the Ilchester site. In 2024, the business achieved £45 million in turnover, with much of its growth driven by strong brand performance and export success.
Established in Ilchester and deeply rooted in Somerset’s dairy heartland, the company has set itself apart by blending traditional British cheesemaking with innovative flavor combinations. Embracing its original name is not only a reflection of its legacy but also a statement about its future trajectory.
James Catchpole, Managing Director of The Ilchester Cheese Co., expressed the significance of the rebrand, emphasizing, “We’ve always been proud to call Ilchester home, and this rebrand allows us to really reflect our roots — in name and in spirit. This is about celebrating where we come from, the people behind our products, and our place in the Somerset community.”
The company is renowned for creating some of the UK’s most cherished cheeses, such as Applewood and Mexicana – both leading brands in their respective categories nationally. Additionally, The Ilchester Cheese Co. pioneered the flavored cheese category over 60 years ago with its first Ilchester Beer Cheese in 1962.
While the business has a national and international presence, it continues to emphasize its role in the local area by creating jobs and opportunities in Somerset. The Ilchester Cheese Co. proudly puts local cheesemaking on the global map and exports to over 20 countries, including Canada, Australia, and various nations across Europe and Asia.
With the addition of cutting, packing, and distributing Jarlsberg and other cheeses from its Norwegian parent company TINE, The Ilchester Cheese Co. is well-positioned for continued success. Jarlsberg, in particular, experienced a notable +13% volume growth in 2024 in the UK market.
James Catchpole remarked, “We’re proud of our past, but we’re also excited for what’s ahead — new ideas, new flavors, and a renewed connection to the place we call home.”