Cheese Retailers April 2024

20 @specialityfood LOCATION: DINGLE, COUNTY KERRY, IRELAND FOUNDED: 2010 OWNER: MARK MURPHY The Little Cheese Shop W henMarkMurphy took on The Little Cheese Shop in Dingle, Ireland, he was well equipped to knowwhat he was in for. Having run the town’s Cookery School as a qualified chef, he knew the foodie credentials that the town had to offer – as well as the loyal locals and booming tourist trade he would be catering for. During the tourist season, people travel from all over the world to visit the stunning Dingle Peninsula and sample the best food and drink Ireland has to offer. “Irish food has made great strides in the past few years,” Mark begins. “Our geography, climate and rich pastures here in Ireland are unique, and this allows our cheesemakers and dairy farmers to produce some of the best dairy products in the world.” Understandably, this shaped The Little Cheese Shop’s offering. “For this reason, I decided that when I took over the shop I would try to focus on having as much Irish cheese on the counter as possible. I amproud to now say that about 98% of all cheese in the shop is made on the island of Ireland.” Mark sources his cheeses from every corner of Ireland and ensures a wide range at all times. Bymaintaining strong relationships with the cheesemakers he works with, he has access to some rare batches of cheese. “This can suit a small shop like mine as our selection can and Pride of Ireland BEST-SELLING CHEESES GUBBEEN A semi-soft, cow’s milk cheese with a washed rind and a creamy texture. gubbeen.com STTOLA Full flavoured, sweet and floral with honey undertones that develop further as the cheesematures. st-tola.ie COOLEAMATURE Made using an ancient Dutch Gouda recipe, this semi-hard to hard cheese boasts a well- balanced sweetness. cooleacheese.com IRELAND