Our Heritage

Built on Welsh farming, craft, and co-operative pride.

Built on Welsh farming, craft and co-operative pride, SCC has been producing quality dairy since 1938. From our Llŷn Peninsula home, we have grown through generations of expertise, while keeping the same purpose: to support farmers and deliver trusted cheese.

A bold vision for milk farmers in North Wales

SCC began in 1938 when John Owen Roberts envisioned local dairy farmers working together to market their milk. Early support was cautious, following failed co-operatives and concern from farmers selling directly to local towns and villages. The co-operative launched with 63 producer members.

1938

SCC began with John Owen Roberts’ vision for dairy farmers to work together and market their own milk. After earlier
co-operatives failed, support was cautious. The co-operative launched with 63 producer members.

Rhydygwystl was chosen as the creamery site, positioned between Llyn and Eifionydd. An old woollen mill provided
space for equipment and the laboratory. Early directors invested in the best technology available.

1939

1942

During World War II, milk in churns was exported by rail from nearby Chwilog to North West England. The extra business strengthened the young co-operative and profits were returned to members as bonuses.

Post-war agricultural support encouraged farmers to improve land, livestock and crops. SCC grew quickly through this period. By 1954, co-operative membership had expanded to 1,200 producer members.

1954

1957

Milk quality rose sharply in the late 1950s. SCC led the way by paying farmers to produce cleaner, higher-quality milk, reinforcing a culture of standards and continuous improvement from farm to creamery.

With milk production at record levels, SCC began cheese production to use surplus
supply. The creamery launched ‘Caws Llyn’, a brand that proved popular and is still recognised locally today.

1959

1972

1979

2004

SCC launched the Dragon brand to bring Welsh provenance and creamery expertise to shelf. It became a proud showcase for the co-operative, strengthening the link between farmer ownership, consistent quality, and long-term retail partnerships.

Butter production remained an important part of SCC’s story. In 2011, the creamery invested £350,000 in a traditional butter
churn, enabling authentic Welsh butter and greater flexibility in recipe and salt levels.

2011

2015

SCC expanded the Dragon range with a high-end handcrafted cheddar collection. Made in collaboration with Welsh partners, it included Welsh Slate Cavern Cheddar, Mature Anglesey Sea Salt Cheddar and Penderyn whisky-infused
Cheddar.

Today SCC produces around 17,000 tonnes of cheese each year on its original site near Chwilog. The range includes cheddars matured up to 18 months, territorial cheeses and traditional Welsh Caerphilly.

2025

Modern capability, rooted in tradition

Traditional cheesemaking meets modern capability at our Llŷn Peninsula creamery, supported by three cold stores for reliability.

Our Creamery

Traditional craft, modern capability, every day

Founded in 1938 on the Llŷn Peninsula, SCC is a Welsh farmer-owned co-operative with generations of cheesemaking expertise.

Our Process