Skip to main content

Food Heroes - Dairy

CHEESE AND MILK FROM THE HEART OF KENT 

Steve Kingcott and his family produce award-winning Kentish Blue cheese and milk on their dairy farm in the heart of the Kent countryside. 

Steve said: “We firmly believe that happy, healthy cows produce the best tasting milk, we make sure that the whole milking herd has free access to our fields for grazing during spring, summer and autumn. 

“We do not restrict them and prefer to see them out at grass rather than shut in sheds and yards whenever possible.”

Awards and accolades

The quality and flavour of their cheeses has been recognised by awards from the British Cheese Awards, World Cheese Awards, Great Taste and Taste of Kent Awards.

Their milk is Red Tractor Assured and assured under the Free Range Dairy Pasture Promise scheme which offers a clear assurance that milk comes from cows that enjoy the freedom to graze for at least six months of the year.

Steve added: “Being part of a vibrant local economy is hugely important to small businesses such as Kingcott Dairy. Most of our cheese is sold within 50 miles of our farm.”

Sustainability

Kingcott Dairy’s cheesemaking is a naturally low energy process. All the stages from stirring the curds to making the holes typical in a blue cheese are carried out by hand rather than by equipment needing energy to power it. Its cheese is also always delivered in recyclable boxes or reusable crates and trays.

The team use biodegradable natural sheep’s wool and wood wool for box liners as it is perfect for keeping the cheese fresh and protected during its journey to customers a little further away, and has many more uses once unpacked. Find out more: