Somerdale brings UK cheddar global

Somerdale International showcased its range of British cheese at the hospitality show, Saudi Horeca in Saudi Arabia recently.

With sales worth over £1.2m (€1.3) last year, Somerdale’s presence in Saudi is currently focused largely on the supply, under its Westminster brand, of mild cheddar in retail deli and catering block packs. However, it believes that there is potential to develop the market in terms of moving into retail pre-packed cheddar formats, expanding the range of cheese it offers to include mature and smoked cheddars and in the supply of premium British cheeses to luxury hotels and restaurants.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, Somerdale also has a growing customer base in Dubai and is working to develop further relationships with customers in other Gulf states including Kuwait and Oman, as well as other Middle East countries such as Lebanon and Jordan.

Ernie Waldron, director of Somerdale International, says, “The market for British cheese is still in its infancy in the Gulf region. However, we believe there are opportunities for its development. Currently, Somerdale’s Westminster brand of cheddar is the third largest being sold in Saudi but we believe there is potential to build sales further and expand not only the range of cheese we sell but also develop a presence in other Gulf states.”