White Stilton with Apricots Half Pound

Clawson Farms, also known as Long Clawson Dairy, began in 1912 when Thomas Hoe Stevenson and 11 local farmers from Mount Pleasant Farm near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, decided to build a proper dairy to preserve and expand their family’s cheesemaking tradition. They purchased The Royal Oak pub in Long Clawson village, which became the head office and a symbol of their co-operative identity.

From the start, the business was farmer-owned and independent, a rare choice in the 20th century. Over the decades, Clawson Farms became a leader in Blue Stilton production, joining the Stilton Cheesemakers’ Association in 1936 to protect the cheese’s origin and quality. The company showed resilience during World War II, when Stilton was banned for rationing, quickly switching to Cheddar production before resuming Stilton-making.

In the post-war years, Clawson Farms won major awards, including the Perpetual Challenge Cup for Best Stilton in 1953. The 1960s saw innovation with flavored and blended cheeses like Cotswold, Huntsman, and fruit-studded White Stilton. Today, the co-operative operates with 30 supplier members within 30 miles, sourcing milk from over 43 farms in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire.

Clawson Farms remains committed to traditional methods while embracing innovation, producing not only Blue Stilton but also Blue Shropshire, Rutland Red, and a range of sweet and savory blends. The business continues to honor its 1912 roots, blending heritage with modern sustainability practices, and proudly holding the Protected Designation of Origin for Blue Stilton.