Llaeth Medra

BACKGROUND

In 2021, sheep milk drinks company Llaeth Medra, was established by Anglesey sheep farmer Huw Jones. Huw, who farms in Anglesey, was inspired to take up milking sheep following a Farming Connect exchange programme to France in 2019.

With the help of the Food Technology Centre, he was able to develop his own range of flavoured sheep’s milk that he supplied to local retailers, farm shops, delis, and more. Three years later, he is looking at new ways to utilise his milk by trialling halloumi cheese production.

SUPPORT RECEIVED FROM FOOD TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

With funding from The HELIX Programme, the Food Technology Centre was able to support Huw with cheesemaking trials carried out in our dairy hall.

Four production methods were trialled for halloumi; different flavourings and procedures were used in order to determine the best method for scale-up production. As well as halloumi, Huw also trialled a soft lactic cheese, as it has one of the simplest methods with the potential to stir in a range of flavours.

The initial trials were a success and Huw has finalised the process ready to start production with his own milk supply. After his work with The HELIX Programme, Huw saw quick success with his new halloumi product. He managed to achieve gold in the dairy produce competition at the Royal Welsh Show 2024 and silver at the World Cheese Awards 2024-25.

BENEFITS OF THE SUPPORT

Huw commented,

"The help I have received from the Food Technology Centre has been vital. Julia’s continued to support me throughout the halloumi trial process and has provided me with valuable knowledge to make this venture a success. Being able to use the Dairy Hall on site in Llangefni has been hugely beneficial. With use of the equipment and Julia’s expertise, the Food Technology Centre has helped massively with this new venture. I couldn’t have done it without them."