Our Story
Our deliciously moreish cheese has been on a long and flavour-filled journey!
Come with us as we share the story of where it all began.
*KANTAR DATA 2024
Discover
our Journey
Discover
our journey
1965
Applewood® Original was first created in Somerset in 1965 – our original dreamy, creamy smoky hero!
Applewood® Vintage was introduced to the Applewood family – awarded PDO status and made with Barber’s 12 month matured West Country Farmhouse cheddar.
2013
2019
We launched our Applewood® Vegan range – a deliciously smoky flavoured vegan cheeze made from a coconut base.
One of our most exciting years yet – with a fresh packaging makeover and our first-ever marketing campaign live across out of home, digital, radio, social and influencer to grow our Applewood community and reach more cheese lovers.
2025
Applewood® is an award-winning brand
Our smoky cheddar cheese is available in over 20 countries, including Canada and the US
Our Home
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
Our story began in 1965 when Applewood® was created by The Ilchester Cheese Co., made using traditional hand-turned farmhouse cheddar. Our recipe proved popular, and the rest is history!
We’re working with
Barbers
Cheese
Our delicious smoky cheddar cheese is crafted using Barber’s Somerset Cheddar. As the longest standing cheddar-makers in the world, the Barber family have been producing cheese on their Somerset farm since 1833.
Our Partner
applewood®, made with barber’s somerset cheddar
Since 1833, Barber’s has been perfecting the art of Cheddar, earning a reputation for exceptional quality and texture, rich flavour, and a commitment to sustainability. With nearly 200 years of expertise, Barber’s are the true masters of Cheddar-making.
At the core of Barber’s success is their close-knit relationship with local farmers. Sourcing the best, fresh milk from Red Tractor Assured farms, where dairy cows graze on the lush, green pastures of Somerset and Dorset. This rich, natural environment forms the foundation of their unbeatable Cheddar - bold, creamy, and full-flavoured.
Once crafted, the Cheddar makes its journey just 30 miles down the road to our cheese dairy in Ilchester, where we transform it into Applewood®, the UK’s number one smoky Cheddar*, using our signature smoky recipe. Our award-winning Applewood Vintage Cheddar is produced using Barber's PDO accredited West Country Farmhouse Cheddar.
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