A famous Fife farm has offered people a slice of Scotland’s first home-produced buffalo mozzarella company.
The Buffalo Farm has launched a crowdfunding campaign to turn Steven Mitchell’s cheese-making dream into reality.
Steven hopes his Founders’ Club will raise £800,000 to build a manufacturing plant, milking parlour and slurry store.
Stakes starting at £100 will see investors have their name inscribed on the walls of the new facility.
Larger stakes will also secure returns of 10% or 12% paid in Buffalo Farm vouchers.
The first 50 to sign up will get name the new milking herd.
Sixth-generation farmer Steven, who has appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word and supplied Buckingham Palace, began farming buffalo in 2005.
He said: “We run three butchers shops, an event catering business, our own bistro and we also supply a growing number of hotels and restaurants and feedback has always been fantastic.
“However, I have always felt that something is missing and so now the time is right to launch this crowdfunding Founders Club so that we can give our customers access to their first soft, smooth and deliciously Scottish mozzarella.”
Mozzarella production would create up to six new jobs in what Steven said was a growing market, worth £79 million in the UK.
Supermarket chain Aldi has already noted its interest in the new product.
Steven said: “I strongly believe that Scotland needs a quality, home-produced alternative to imported mozzarella.
“We have a fantastic customer base and I would love those loyal fans, as well as new ones, to get behind the creation of another emerging Scottish premium product.”
The new facility will be created near the existing farm, farm shop and cafe at Boglily Farm Steading.
Details of the Founders Club are available on the Buffalo Farm website.
