Helping Cheesemakers Thrive

SALSA plus Cheese was developed in partnership with the SCA to support exactly these kinds of producers – helping them meet rigorous safety and quality standards while staying true to traditional and small-scale methods.

Why choose SALSA plus Cheese?

✔ Designed for the realities of artisan production

✔ Recognised by buyers and retailers across the UK

✔ Supports growth, credibility, and customer trust

For Mario Olianas, co-founder of Yorkshire Pecorino, getting the technical side of cheesemaking right wasn’t just important, it was essential.

“Getting this side of a business on track is fundamental, as there is no room for error, even at the outset,” says Mario.

Like many small cheesemakers, Mario’s journey was hands-on and full of learning curves. Self-taught and driven by passion, he quickly discovered that having expert support can make all the difference.

“Unless you’re already a microbiologist, if you’re a cheesemaker, I strongly recommend using a specialist from outside to get you started on the right track. I’m still learning mostly through hard work and trial and error. Having someone behind you gives you extra security – like a Charlie Ireland to my Jeremy Clarkson figure.”

That mindset led Mario and his partner Sonia to work with a technical consultant and pursue SALSA plus Cheese certification, a food safety standard tailored specifically to the needs of small-scale cheesemakers.

Since becoming SALSA plus Cheese Approved in 2022, Yorkshire Pecorino has built a strong foundation of food safety, traceability and production best practices – giving buyers and customers even more confidence in the quality of their artisan cheeses. This commitment to rigorous standards and continuous improvement has been clearly reflected in their recent industry success. At the UK & Ireland Artisan Cheese Awards 2025, they earned 2 Gold Awards, 6 Silver Awards, and a Highly Commended recognition for their Fresco cheese. These accolades highlight the creamery’s dedication to quality and innovation, further strengthened by the support and structure provided through SALSA plus Cheese certification.

SALSA plus Cheese is designed for UK producers like Mario. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, SALSA can support your next step.

Find out more about SALSA plus Cheese

Find out more about the Specialist Cheese Association