The Creamery
The origins of Tuxford & Tebbutt can be traced back to 1780, although the partnership which gave the company its name was not formed until 1867.
In 1835 William Thorpe Tuxford was factoring Stilton cheese in Melton Mowbray. In 1867 Messrs Tebbutt and Crosher, gentlemen's outfitters, decided to expand into the pork pie business. Together with William Thorpe Tuxford of Tuxford & Nephews, the Stilton makers, the two firms share the same premises: The pies were marketed under Tebbutt & Co, while the cheese was marketed under the name Tuxford and Nephews.
John Francis Crosher, started making Stilton cheese in Tuxford Nephews' warehouse in Thorpe End, Melton Mowbray under the direction of his father John Thorpe Crosher, in 1909. In the first year of production the dairy won the Swain Cup at the Leicestershire Agricultural Show.
From 1928 both manufacturing processes were marketed under one company name, Tuxford & Tebbutt Limited
By 1966 the demand for their cheese was such that Tuxford & Tebbutt decided to concentrate resources
on cheese making and closed down the pork pie side of the business.
After the Second World War, Tuxford & Tebbutt saw a number of changes in ownership. It is an indication of the esteem in which the traditions and reputation of the company were held that Tuxford & Tebbutt retained its own identity despite the changes.
In recent years, extensive investment has taken place, including a much needed new cheese store and laboratory, retaining the essential cheesemaking skills of a century and a half.
As well as being a highly popular premium product with 52% of sales through retail outlets and
35% in the catering sector, Tuxford & Tebbutt is the largest individual exporter of Stilton
cheese, manufacturing one third of the total consumed in overseas markets, principally the USA.
Today, Tuxford & Tebbutt employs up to 100 people in Melton Mowbray and manufactures 20% of the entire volume of Stilton cheese produced. In addition, Shropshire Blue, Leicester Gold and whey butter are produced at the creamery.
1780
Tuxford & Nephew's has been factoring Stilton cheese from Melton Mowbray since the 1780's.
1835
William Thorpe Tuxford, of Tuxford & Nephews, takes over Stilton factoring business from his father.
1867
Gentlemen's outfitters Messrs Tebbutt and Crosher, move into the pork pie business. 'Tebbutt and Co' brings into the partnership William Thorpe Tuxford of 'Tuxford and Nephew's'. The two firms combine and share the same premises.
1909
1909 John Francis Crosher starts making Stilton cheese in Tuxford & Nephew's warehouse at Thorpe End, under the direction of his father, John Thorpe Crosher.
1928
Both manufacturing processes are marketed under the name Tuxford & Tebbutt.
1966
Pork pie business gets closed down due to high demand of cheese.
1972
John Francis Crosher, who was elected as managing director in 1950, sells the business to Express Foods.
1992
Express Foods becomes The Cheese Company - Britain's largest independent cheese maker.
1995
Express Foods sells company to Waterford Dairies of Ireland (now Glanbia Foods), who then sell it to Milk Link.