Jamie Oliver warns ‘posh cheese trucks’ are being sold by ‘the wrong people’

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has told his social media followers to be on the lookout for “truckloads of posh cheese” being sold “on the cheap” after a London manufacturer was robbed of more than 22 tonnes of cheddar by scammers.

Neal’s Yard Dairy said it delivered more than 950 wheels of cheddar to an alleged fraudster posing as a wholesale distributor for a major French retailer before realizing what had happened.

In an Instagram post, Oliver told his 10.5 million followers: “There has been a huge cheese heist. One of the best cheeses in the world has been stolen.”

He called it a “real disgrace”, adding: “If anyone is hearing anything about luxury cheese being sold on the cheap, they’re probably talking to the wrong people.

“So if anyone hears anything about fancy cheese trucks, I mean, I really don’t know what they’re going to do with it.

“Are they going to peel it off the fabric, cut it, grate it and get rid of it in the fast food industry, in the commercial industry? I don’t know – Nick feels very strange.”

Neal’s Yard has confirmed it is still paying cheese makers Hafod, Westcombe and Pitchfork so they will not have to bear the cost “despite the significant financial hit”.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the company also said: “To everyone who has rallied to support us over the past few days, thank you.

“After we shared the news of our theft, we received a huge number of calls, messages and visits. We are truly touched that so many people from within the artisan cheese community and beyond are supporting us. It’s a reminder of why we love our jobs.

“Many of you have asked how you can help. To that we say: continue to support British and Irish cheese. Hafod, Pitchfork, and Westcombe are specific examples of farmhouse cheddar. Eat them. Celebrate them.

“We will be here championing British and Irish cheese for a long time to come.”

The cheese maker previously confirmed it was working with police to identify the culprits.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “On Monday 21 October we received a report of a large quantity of cheese being stolen from a manufacturer in Southwark.

“An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.”

Police said no arrests have been made in connection with the alleged theft.

Neal’s Yard Dairy has appealed to cheese traders around the world to contact them if they suspect they have been sold stolen cheese, particularly cloth-bound cheddars weighing 10kg or 24kg with tags removed.