History

	1929 to the present day

J J Sandham Ltd are a small family run cheese manufacturing company who specialise in the manufacture of traditional Lancashire cheese.   The company was established in 1929 by Mr J J Sandham and his wife Martha.  There is evidence of cheese making by the family prior to First World War.  The business started before the Milk Marketing Board existed, so contracts were taken out with local farmers to establish a continuous supply of milk. 

These local contracts ensured supply but did not allow for times when there was a reduction in the demand for cheese. As a consequence, if demand for cheese fell, production had to carry on using the milk.  When the store rooms were full the adjacent family home was used as an extra storage area.  Cheese was often stacked two high on the stairs of the house and the living room was fitted with extra shelving.  The introduction of the Milk Marketing Board helped match milk supply to cheese demand.

J J Sandham Ltd - Delivery Van - Circa 1936

During and immediately after World War Two milk supply was cut to zero because it was required for milk powder.  It was not until the early 1950's that the supply of milk was resumed and Lancashire cheese manufacture was restarted at J J Sandham's.  From the 1950's to the present day J J Sandham Ltd have been producing top quality Lancashire cheese to the same 1929 recipe. 

Although tradition is very important to J J Sandham Ltd it has introduced new flavours to its cheeses.  In 1986 it produced a Lancashire cheese with garlic which it asked it's wholesalers to try.  The trial was very successful and production of the Lancashire with garlic increased.  Within weeks of introducing this new cheese the local competitors were copying the product.  Rostock Red cheese containing red onion is another example of J J Sandham's innovation.

Food standards remain extremely important today.  Customers, wholesalers and supermarkets demand high standards.  J J Sandham Ltd have kept up with these trends and have been approved by SALSA and are members of The Specialist Cheesemakers Association.

J J Sandham Ltd - Delivery Van - 2006