From Sardinia to Yorkshire
My name is Mario. I was born in Vienna to an Italian father and an Austrian mother. When I was just six months old, my family moved to Sardinia, where I grew up by the sea.
My father was a fisherman, and from an early age, he taught me to appreciate fresh, high-quality produce. This love for good food has stayed with me my whole life.
I worked in catering both on the coast and in the mountains of Italy. Then, in 2001, I decided to move to Yorkshire. My original plan was to learn English, but life had other ideas.
I met my partner, Sonia, and quickly fell in love with God’s Own County. Yorkshire became my new home, and I never looked back.
How Yorkshire Pecorino Began
After working as a delivery driver and in various catering jobs, I saw an opportunity. I started selling homemade Italian produce at Leeds Farmers Markets.
Week by week, the business grew. I added more products, and before long, one cheese stood out—Yorkshire Pecorino.
Pecorino is the Italian word for Ewes’ milk cheese, and my version combines traditional Italian methods with the best Yorkshire ingredients. Today, it’s an award-winning cheese and the heart of everything we do.
A Passion for Artisan Cheese
At Yorkshire Pecorino, we focus on quality over quantity. You won’t find our cheese in large supermarkets. Instead, every batch is handmade with care.
My day starts at 3 AM. Cheesemaking is a slow process, and I never rush it. Each cheese is moulded by hand, carefully aged, and monitored until it’s ready.
Great cheese starts with great milk, which is why I personally select our Ewes’ milk suppliers. Their commitment to animal welfare ensures the milk is as fresh and high-quality as possible.
When the sheep are well cared for, the milk is better. And when the milk is better, so is the cheese.
Bringing Something Special to Every Market
I love what I do, and that passion goes into every cheese we make. Whether it’s a classic favourite or a seasonal special, each cheese is made with dedication and care.
You can find me at farmers markets across Leeds, where I love meeting customers and sharing my passion for cheese.
If you can’t make it to a market, feel free to reach out. I’d love to tell you more about what we do or help you find the perfect cheese.
Thank you for visiting Yorkshire Pecorino. I hope you enjoy our cheeses as much as I enjoy making them!
Follow Our Journey On TikTok
The @yorkshirepecorino TikTok account has brought our artisan cheese to a global audience, reaching over 200 million views, 80,000+ followers, and 5.3 million likes. With more than 450 videos, we share our passion for cheesemaking, from the dairy in Otley to the final product. This thriving community celebrates our award-winning pecorino and the craft behind every wheel.
Over 200M
200+ Million Views
80,000 +
80k + TikTok Followers
5,300,000
5.3 Million Likes
450+
450+ Videos
