In a crime that’s too gouda to be true, nearly 1,000 wheels of rare cheddar are stolen by fraudsters in one of the most shocking cheese capers ever!
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MILWAUKEE, WI
– In news that would shock Cheeseheads and cheddar lovers everywhere, nearly 1,000 wheels of premium British artisanal cheddar cheese have been stolen in a daring heist. Authorities are currently investigating what celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has dubbed the “grate cheese robbery,” after thieves posing as legitimate buyers managed to swindle 22 metric tons of rare, high-quality cheese. For anyone who has ever marveled at the complex flavors of true artisan cheddar, this is nothing short of a crime against the craft.
The Crime: A Cheesy Con
The theft took place when fraudsters posing as wholesale buyers tricked Neal’s Yard Dairy, a renowned London-based wholesaler and retailer of premium British cheese. According to the company’s statement, the fraudulent buyer, who pretended to be a legitimate distributor for a major French retailer, managed to receive delivery of over 950 wheels of cheese.
Among the stolen varieties were Hafod Welsh organic cheddar, Westcombe cheddar, and Pitchfork cheddar — all beloved among connoisseurs for their unique textures and flavors. While the criminals made off with an impressive haul, the fraud was only discovered after the cheeses had been shipped out.
The Financial Impact: Neal’s Yard Stands Strong
Despite the significant financial blow, Neal’s Yard Dairy has taken the high road, continuing to honor its commitment to small-scale suppliers. The company made it clear that they have already paid the three artisanal cheesemakers, including Hafod, Pitchfork, and Westcombe, in full.
“Despite the significant financial blow, we have honoured our commitment to our small-scale suppliers and paid all three artisan cheesemakers in full,” Neal’s Yard Dairy stated.
In a world where small businesses are often left to shoulder the consequences of such crimes, it’s a heartening reminder of the importance of supporting the people behind these artisanal products.
Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver Chimes In
Jamie Oliver, the celebrity chef known for his love of British cuisine, quickly jumped into the fray. In a video posted to his Instagram, Oliver — who boasts a following of over 10 million — urged his fans to keep their eyes peeled for “lorry loads of very posh cheese.”
His message? Don’t let these cheese thieves get away with it! “If the deal seems too gouda to be true, it probably is! Let’s find these cheese stealers,” he wrote in a caption alongside the video. His post adds a touch of lighthearted humor to an otherwise serious crime, but the message is clear: fraud has no place in the world of food.
Watch for Stolen Cheese
Neal’s Yard Dairy has not been sitting idle in the wake of this theft. The company has appealed to retailers worldwide to keep an eye out for the stolen cheese, particularly if they encounter clothbound cheddars in either 10kg or 24kg sizes with the tags removed.
They’ve set up a dedicated email address for tips, urging cheesemongers to report any suspicious cheese sales at
[email protected]
. Neal’s Yard Dairy is working closely with law enforcement to identify and apprehend the fraudsters behind the cheese caper.
“We would like to put out a call to everyone within our esteemed community of cheesemongers around the world,” the company said in its statement. This plea is a reminder that cheese lovers, no matter where they are, play an important role in ensuring that artisanal producers are protected from fraud.
Public Support: Standing Behind the Cheese
Despite the troubling situation, Neal’s Yard Dairy has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support they’ve received. On Sunday, the company shared a message thanking their community for their “overwhelming number of calls, messages, and visits.”
Many have reached out asking how they can help. Neal’s Yard’s response was simple: continue to support British and Irish cheese. “Hafod, Pitchfork, and Westcombe are special examples of farmhouse Cheddar. Eat them. Celebrate them,” the company said.
A Cheddar Caper That’s Far From Over
As the investigation continues and authorities work to track down the culprits, one thing is clear — the story of this “grate cheese robbery” is far from over. And while the thieves might have made off with some of the world’s finest cheddar, they’ll soon discover that no crime, however cheesy, can remain under wraps for long. As Neal’s Yard Dairy reminds us, the best way to honor the stolen cheese is by enjoying it to the fullest — and sharing the love of artisan cheddar with those who truly appreciate it.
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