BRITISH cheese and dairy product export firm Somerdale International, based at Westpark, Wellington, has increased sales and profits in the last financial year.

Turnover was up to £32.3 million in the year ended March 31, 2016, compared to £28.1 million in 2015 – an increase of 15%. Profit before tax was £615,300 compared with £472,400 in 2015, an increase of 30%.

In April the company was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade for the second time in recognition of how it has grown its international sales. An interim dividend of £5.25 per ordinary share was paid compared to £4.41 in 2015.

Stephen Jones, director of Somerdale International, said: “I am pleased to be able to report that the business performed strongly at both a financial and operational level.

“We continue to invest in the business, its capabilities and presence in key international markets for the long term.

“As a result, we believe we are making good progress in putting in place the necessary strategic developments to ensure the future growth of Somerdale.”

About 95% of turnover was generated through exports with sales increasing in all its core international markets, in particular North America, the Caribbean, Australasia, the Far East and Middle East.

Somerdale International exports more than 250 British cheeses made in some of the country’s leading creameries including traditional Cheddars, blue cheeses, flavoured cheeses and traditional hand-made, artisan cheeses. It is the leading exporter of British cheese to the USA with shipments leaving for New York every week. It has also grown its presence in key markets such as China and the Far East, the Caribbean, Australia and emerging markets such as the Middle East and North Africa, and Brazil.