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.

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*KANTAR DATA 2024

Discover
our journey

Discover
our journey

Applewood smoked cheddar cheese

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

Applewood Vintage Half Wheel
Applewood vegan cheese

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

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Our home

The Ilchester Cheese Co

Where it all started

The Ilchester
Cheese Co.

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!

Barber's cheese

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.

Follow us on social

@APPLEWOOD_CHEESE

Classic Beef Burger with cheese
Platter of food with Applewood smoked cheddar cheese
Applewood Original Slices
Classic Beef Burger with cheese
Applewood smoked cheddar cheese with crackers and grapes