Yester Farm Dairies Celebrates Rare Great Taste 3-Star Success and Prestigious Golden Fork Nomination

East Lothian dairy producer Yester Farm Dairies has been recognised amongst the world's finest food producers after its Luxury Soft Cheese achieved the highest 3-star accolade at the Great Taste Awards 2026.

Yester Farm Dairies is celebrating one of the biggest achievements in its history after its Luxury Soft Cheese (300g) was awarded the coveted 3-Star Great Taste Award 2026 and shortlisted for a prestigious Golden Fork Award.

Widely regarded as the "Oscars of the food world", the Great Taste Awards are the world's most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. This year, 15,038 products from across the globe were judged, with fewer than 2% awarded the highest possible 3-Star rating, making the accolade a remarkable achievement for the East Lothian dairy and placing its Luxury Soft Cheese amongst the finest food and drink products in the world.

Adding to the success, Yester Farm Dairies' Luxury Soft Cheese has also been nominated for a Golden Fork Award. The business is one of just three Scottish products shortlisted in 2026, with the winner of Scotland's Golden Fork to be announced at the annual Great Taste Golden Fork Awards ceremony at Battersea Arts Centre in London on 15 September 2026. The event brings together leading retailers, buyers and food industry professionals to celebrate the very best food and drink products from around the world.

Made in small batches using fresh British milk from the family's own herd alongside milk from like minded family farms, Yester Farm Dairies' award-winning Luxury Soft Cheese reflects the business's "From Farm to Fridge" philosophy.

The cheese was developed to celebrate the richness and natural character of fresh Scottish milk while filling a gap in the market for a truly premium soft cheese. Crafted by an experienced team of cheesemakers using simple, high-quality ingredients, it showcases the very best of Scottish dairy farming and artisan cheesemaking.

Simon McCreery, Managing Director of Yester Farm Dairies, said:

"Receiving a Great Taste 3-Star Award is an incredible honour and one that means so much to everyone involved in our business. To know our Luxury Soft Cheese has been recognised amongst more than 15,000 products from around the world is something we are immensely proud of."

"This award reflects the dedication of our entire team – from caring for our cows and working with other dairy farmers to the skill and passion of our cheesemakers. Our aim has always been to produce exceptional dairy products while showcasing the quality of our dairy sector, so to receive this recognition is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Yester Farm Dairies."

"To then be shortlisted for a Golden Fork Award is an incredible milestone for the business. Being one of only three Scottish products nominated is a tremendous honour, and we are proud to be representing Scotland alongside some of the very best food and drink producers in the world."

Run by husband-and-wife team Simon and Jackie McCreery, Yester Farm Dairies is based on the family's mixed dairy and arable farm in East Lothian and is one of the few on-farm dairy processors in Scotland.  Established in 2003, Simon and Jackie had a vision to add value to the milk produced on their East Lothian farm and create a truly integrated dairy business. Rather than simply supplying raw milk, they wanted to retain control of the process and produce high-quality dairy products that reflected the standards and values of the farm itself. 

Over the last two decades, the business has evolved significantly. What began as a traditional producer of fresh milk and cream has developed into one of Scotland's few genuine field-to-fridge dairies, producing, pasteurising and crafting dairy products on-site.

Today, Yester Farm Dairies continues to invest in its facilities, develop innovative new products and expand into new markets, while remaining firmly committed to supporting British dairy farming and producing exceptional dairy products with complete traceability from field to fridge.

The business has significant investment planned during 2026 and 2027, enabling it to scale production and support continued growth across retail, wholesale and export markets as demand for premium natural dairy products continues to increase. Sales have grown by more than 200% year-on-year, with Yester Farm Dairies targeting turnover in excess of £10 million within the next five years. 

Yester Farm Dairies' Luxury Soft Cheese is available in selected Scotmid stores across Scotland and selected independent retailers, including Margiotta's of Edinburgh. From September 2026, it will also be available in Sainsbury's stores across Scotland. A 2kg foodservice format is also available from a number of good wholesalers for chefs, caterers and the hospitality industry.