Catherine Temple has spent more than two decades proving that great cheese begins long before the dairy. From the herbal meadows grazed by her cows to the restaurants and delicatessens that proudly stock her products, every part of Mrs Temple's Cheeses is rooted in North Norfolk. AF Chief Marketing Officer Alex Robinson reflects on what makes this fascinating local business a success.
"What began as a way to diversify the family farm has grown into one of the region's most recognised artisan food businesses, built on a commitment to quality, local food and rural livelihoods.
"The Temples are based in a beautiful part of North Norfolk, where visitors come from all over the UK to holiday and indulge in the superb local food and drink. Local delicatessens, pubs, and restaurants all value the provenance of their wares and it is valued by their customers alike – creating an exciting opportunity for Catherine and her cheese-making business."
"Catherine and her husband Stephen started their cheese-making business to increase the income into the family farm. Catherine’s brainchild, I’m fascinated by her passion for the cheesemaking process, and the way she approaches it with exacting standards and scientific detail.
"After a day spent observing the cheesemaking process, I can see why it fascinates Catherine so much. What starts as milk from their herd of Brown Swiss cows who graze on herbal meadows, is skilfully transformed into a delicious range of some of the tastiest local cheeses. And with a cheese to suit everyone’s taste and preference, it’s no wonder that their cheeses have won some of the most prestigious awards.
"Catherine’s personal favourite? The bright orange Gurney’s Gold, that really catches your eye when presented on a cheeseboard and won a gold medal at the British Cheese Awards."
"For Catherine and Stephen, the cow’s diet is key to the quality of their milk and therefore the cheese. They grow their own high-protein crops such as lucerne and beans, and don’t feed imported soya. This approach to knowing exactly what the cows are eating is a key selling point for their cheeses, alongside their carbon footprint reduction through on farm energy generation. "
“We believe that happy cows produce good milk, and good milk produces good cheese.”
Something that isn’t often talked about, it the Temple’s approach to their team. They feel a deep sense of responsibility to keep the business going to provide employment for their community and contribute to the local economy.
Their vision for the future? That Mrs Temple’s Cheeses continues to delight their customers and play a pivotal role in their local community for years to come.
Fancy a taste? Whether you're looking to stock Mrs Temple's Cheeses or simply enjoy them yourself, visit their website to explore the range.
There's more to Mrs Temple's Cheeses than meets the rind. Discover the family history, the farm, and the decades of dedication behind one of Norfolk's best cheesemakers.
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