Tesco is calling on small-batch cheesemakers across the UK to step forward, as it expands its drive to source more regional cheeses for its growing local ranges. The UK’s largest supermarket is targeting standout artisan producers who are ready to scale — and who have the potential to move from regional shelves to national distribution.
This isn’t a rebrand. It’s a fresh sourcing campaign aimed squarely at spotlighting quality cheeses with local roots and retail-ready ambition.
A Growing Slice of the Cheese Market
The regional cheese category at Tesco is already worth £12 million — and rising. But much of that value still sits with a handful of known brands. The retailer now wants to widen the spotlight, making room for lesser-known, high-quality producers from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The opportunity is clear: accepted cheeses will first appear in stores within their home regions. If they resonate with shoppers, listings could be extended across neighbouring counties — and potentially, nationwide.
Tesco’s track record proves this isn’t theoretical. One small North Yorkshire producer once stocked a single cheese in just 40 stores. Three years later, that cheese was being sold nationwide, with volumes increasing fourfold.
A New Sourcing Push, Platform-First
To streamline the process, Tesco is using the digital product discovery platform RangeMe — allowing artisan cheesemakers to submit their products quickly and directly.
This platform lets Tesco’s local sourcing team evaluate everything from product quality to packaging, scalability and regional relevance — while maintaining a level playing field for small-scale producers who may not have the resources of large-scale dairy firms.
Submissions must include key product details, region of origin, and any awards or retail history. The process is designed to be as accessible as possible — a deliberate effort to remove barriers that traditionally keep small producers out of national supermarket supply chains.
What Tesco’s Looking For
At the heart of the campaign is one clear goal: bring unique, high-quality, locally rooted cheeses to mainstream customers. That means:
Small to medium production scale
Proven popularity in farm shops, delis, or local grocers
Distinct flavour profiles, traditional methods, or protected regional status
Room to scale, with retailer support
Tesco’s sourcing strategy is deliberately flexible. For some products, it may mean one or two regional stores. For others, the opportunity could scale far faster. What’s consistent is the emphasis on support — not just shelf space, but marketing, logistics, and supply chain guidance to help makers grow sustainably.
From Farmhouse to Front Shelf
For many small dairies, national retail may seem out of reach. But Tesco’s own history shows that well-positioned artisan products — when supported correctly — can thrive.
It’s not about mimicking mass-market cheese. It’s about offering something that feels personal, regional, and high-quality — but within a format that can meet retail expectations on consistency, supply, and labelling.
Some previous suppliers have started with deli counter placements and moved to full-packaged listings as demand grew. Others have expanded their range with Tesco regionally before securing broader listings in the supermarket’s speciality cheese sections.
Why It Matters for British Dairy
This move comes at a time when British dairies are under pressure. Price volatility, export challenges, and supermarket consolidation have made it harder for smaller producers to compete. Sourcing campaigns like this one offer not only visibility but also a new route to growth — grounded in authenticity and consumer demand for traceable, locally made food.
At the same time, shoppers continue to show interest in regional British products — especially when those items come with a clear backstory, strong taste profile, and sustainable credentials.
Retailers, in turn, are increasingly open to decentralised sourcing: building store-level relevance with local offerings that reflect community taste. For cheese, which varies widely in style and tradition across the UK, this model makes practical and commercial sense.
How to Apply
Tesco has opened submissions through the RangeMe platform, where cheesemakers can upload their product details and supporting information. Successful applicants may be contacted by Tesco’s local sourcing team for follow-up.
Here’s how to apply:
➡️ www.rangeme.com/tescoregionalcheese
This is more than a listing opportunity. It’s a signal that large retailers are listening — and ready to invest in small producers who can bring something new, real, and regional to the cheese aisle.
