Millbrook Dairy’s New 1,600-Mile Tuk-Tuk Journey from Devon to Orkney Islands: Surging Regional Tourism in the UK

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Millbrook Dairy Company, a fast-growing business specializing in cheese and butter, has embarked on a remarkable journey from its headquarters in Bideford, Devon, all the way to the Orkney Islands in Scotland. The journey, led by co-founders David Evans and Kevin Beer, is being made in a Tuk-Tuk adorned with a giant wedge of cheese on its roof, symbolizing the company’s passion and commitment to their craft. The trip spans a total of 1,600 miles, with 29 stops planned along the way, and will take approximately nine days to complete.

This unique and adventurous endeavor, which coincides with the company’s fifth anniversary, is designed to celebrate not only their business success but also to give back to society. The founders are combining their love for cheese with an ambitious road trip to raise awareness for their company and foster connections within the cheese industry.

The Itinerary: From Devon to Orkney

The Tuk-Tuk journey commenced in Bideford, Devon, the home base of Millbrook Dairy, and is scheduled to conclude in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Along the route, David Evans and Kevin Beer have planned to visit various prominent dairy producers, sampling and grading cheese while celebrating their shared passion for dairy products. Stops have already included places like Shepton Mallet, Bruton, Melksham, and Redhill, where the team visited renowned cheese producers such as Barbers, Wykes, Coombe Castle, and Lye Cross Farm.

The idea behind these stops is to engage with local cheese makers, assess their products, and strengthen business relationships within the dairy industry. Evans and Beer, both master cheese graders, are taking the opportunity to evaluate a wide variety of cheeses and collaborate with industry peers on this memorable trip. By visiting these notable cheese producers, they hope to raise awareness of Millbrook Dairy’s values, dedication to quality, and long-term vision in the cheese business.

A Celebration of Cheese and Giving Back to Society

Kevin Beer, co-founder and director of Millbrook Dairy, explained that the Tuk-Tuk trip is part of their company’s fifth-anniversary celebrations. According to Beer, the idea was born out of a desire to do something unusual and exciting that would not only promote their business but also give back to society. He referred to the trip as a “crazy Tuk-Tuk idea” that has turned into a reality, reflecting Millbrook Dairy’s fun, innovative approach to business.

This adventure is much more than just a marketing stunt. It’s an opportunity for Millbrook Dairy to connect with communities, promote the UK’s rich cheese heritage, and showcase their gratitude for the support they’ve received over the years. By traveling in a quirky and unconventional manner—via Tuk-Tuk—the founders are capturing the attention of both the cheese industry and the general public, creating a buzz that goes beyond their products.

Impact on the Travel Industry

Millbrook Dairy’s Tuk-Tuk journey, though primarily focused on the dairy industry, has broader implications for the travel and tourism sectors as well. The journey, which involves stops at various locations known for their cheese production, is also inadvertently promoting domestic tourism across the UK. As the Tuk-Tuk makes its way through scenic routes and picturesque villages, it highlights lesser-known regions and provides travelers with a unique glimpse into the cheese-making culture of the UK.

Tourists interested in food and gastronomy may find themselves drawn to the places that the Millbrook Dairy team visits, potentially boosting local tourism. By promoting regional cheese producers and showcasing the process of cheese grading and production, the trip taps into the growing trend of food tourism. Visitors and locals alike could be inspired to explore more of the UK’s cheese-producing regions, adding value to the local economy.

The quirky nature of the journey also appeals to a broader audience, as it combines travel, culture, and business in a way that is both entertaining and educational. As Millbrook Dairy passes through various locations, it brings attention to the importance of regional specialties, encouraging travelers to appreciate the unique products that each area has to offer. This type of journey adds a fresh and innovative angle to the travel industry by connecting it with the food sector in an engaging way.

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