UK cheese exports flourishing in Chinese market

China purchased £3.35m worth of cheese from the UK in the first nine months of 2024, with more than 470t of product being exported, adding support to domestic milk values.

And in more good news, total UK cheese exports were up by 10.7% during the third quarter of 2024 at 4,700t, the AHDB has revealed.

AHDB senior dairy analyst Soumya Behera suggested that greater volumes of exports denote consumer preference for British speciality cheese and an increased presence in Asian countries.

See also: Oatly not to be labelled as ‘milk’ after battle with Dairy UK

However, Ms Behera added that global geopolitical factors, such as conflict in the Middle East, trade disputes between the EU and China, and the election of Donald Trump to the White House continue to be important watch points.

Eight-fold increase

British cheese exporter Somerdale says it has seen an eight-fold increase in sales of Barber’s cheddar in China.

Barber’s Cheesemakers acquired Somerdale last year, allowing it to distribute its products into export markets around the world.

Barber’s is the world’s oldest cheddar-maker, which has helped it gain traction, and it is now stocked at Walmart-owned Sam’s Club stores across China.

Stephen Jones, co-founder of Somerdale International, said: “Walmart is one of the world’s most successful retailers and for nearly three decades it has been an innovative and increasingly strong retail presence in China, not least with its growing network of Sam’s Club outlets.

“Since 2010, Somerdale International has had an established presence in China, with a network of regional distributors covering the main Chinese cities and regular sea and air shipments of a range of great-tasting British cheeses.”