The Decibel Who stole half-a-million dollars worth of cheese?
Jan 3, 2025
Paul Waldie, The Globe’s Europe correspondent and cheddar cheese expert, dives into the astonishing theft of 22 tons of artisanal cheddar from Neal's Yard Dairy, worth over half a million dollars. He unpacks the artistry behind crafting luxury cheddar and the emotional impact of the theft on farmers. The conversation reveals the unsettling rise in high-value food thefts, illuminating how trust in the artisan cheese community is eroding amid increasing demand and betrayal. This tale of cheese crime is as rich as the cheddar itself!
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The Great Cheese Robbery
- In October 2024, 22 tons of artisanal cheddar, worth around $542,000 Canadian dollars, was stolen from Neal's Yard Dairy, a UK cheese dealer.
- Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver called it "the great cheese robbery."
Luxury Cheddar
- The stolen cheddar is a specialty product from Somerset, England, made with raw milk and aged for up to 18 months or more.
- The cheese-making process involves careful consideration of the grass the cows eat, impacting the final product's flavor.
Neal's Yard Dairy and the Massive Order
- Neal's Yard Dairy, established in 1979, has been instrumental in the revival of British artisanal cheese.
- They received an order for 22 tons (950 wheels) of cheese, equivalent to the weight of three adult elephants.