We’re 25 years in the making
Read our story over the past 25+ years of how we got to where we are today
1996
The company was operating out of a small industrial unit in Sedgefield, County Durham. Buying milk from local farmers and producing fresh mozzarella to then shred to become Prima Cheese! The number of customers eager to top their pizza’s with Prima’s products was beginning to put a strain on the little mozzarella manufacturer tucked away in the north of England.
1998
Mr and Mrs Beni had the bright idea to ditch the complicated manufacturing process, and decided to just ‘process’ the mozzarella bought from a big dairy producer in Europe. With small deliveries of perfect quality fresh mozzarella, they could focus solely on how to develop that perfectly consistent high quality of shredded cheese we all know and love today
2001
Prima moved to its current home in Seaham, County Durham with deliveries of cheese from Europe increasing from one small pallet to many tons of fresh mozzarella as Mr and Mrs Beni fired up new production lines to meet demand.
2004
The family roots are firmly established, as the Beni’s daughter Nagma joined the organisation.
2007
The Beni's youngest, Nima joins the company. Hitting the ground running in the production and operations side of the business.
Construction soon began on an expanded production area and an extra production line. The factory was now pumping out cheese blends 24 hours a day, shipping them all over the country in its own fleet of trucks.
2009
Having expanded their network the family looked at forging new relationships and were blown away at the new food technology being developed in the world of pizza cheese! With exciting new partnerships afoot, the path was set to look at new horizons….
2010
Prima looks to set sail on a voyage to develop new markets internationally! The exporting journey begins as the company look to worldwide markets as the future starts looking very cheesy.
2012
The Beni family and its legion of loyal employees’ hard work was paying off in a big way, and were awarded two prestigious regional export awards as the team began to chart their next steps.
2013
The company underwent a major rebrand, with a new logo and brand scheme that focused on building a Prima identity that reflected the company’s new vision as a leader in its field.
Another state-of-the art production line with electric and pneumatic powered industrial cutters, top of the range conveyor belts and bagging equipment were installed to meet further growing demand.
2016
Prima became one of the Sunday Times’ International 200 fastest growing companies and continued its winning streak into 2017 becoming Northeast regions Exporter of the Year.
2018
The company looks to treble the size of its Seaham base, massively increasing its warehouse, chilled storage, freezer, production facilities and office space. Plans would include living moss walls’ and a state of the art viewing gallery.
Prima became the sponsors of the local football team as well as raising hundreds of pounds for its chosen charites, an annual tradition that still continues today.
2019
Nagma is awarded an MBE in the Queens Birthday Honours List for services to international trade, an incredibly proud moment for the family and for the North East business community.
2020
Despite the double impact of the Brexit transition period ending and the pandemic, Prima achieve one of its proudest moments, receiving the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Export. Prima is also listed on the London Stock Exchange 1000 companies to Inspire Britain list.
A partnership with Job Centre Plus and the Department for Work and Pensions saw Prima host employability training for out of work local people, resulting in the hiring of a new recruit.
2020 also marked a bittersweet moment for Mr Beni as it was time for him to step back officially and hand over the full day to day operation to Nagma and Nima.
Mr and Mrs Beni decide to step back from the company becoming Chairman and Vice Chair of Prima Cheese. Nagma and Nima become CO CEO’s of Prima Cheese, a professional family business
2021
Prima celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
A proud moment for the small cheese processor from northern England that went onto supply its brand of pizza cheese to the world.
The company began attending local careers and apprenticeship events at the region’s further education institutions on the look for the brightest and best talent to join the company and continue on our cheesy journey.
2022
Both Nagma and Nima move to the positions of Co-CEO. Mr Beni moves to the position of Chairman and Mrs Beni as co – Chair.
The company began attending local careers and apprenticeship events at the region’s further education institutions on the look for the brightest and best talent to join the company.
Careers at PrimaWant to join our amazing family?
As we are cheese specialists, we have a vast knowledge of cheese, and how it works in so many different products, from the way it melts to the way stretches.
Our blend builder tool can help you find the perfect cheese based on your food range needs and budget.
