CHELSTON-BASED cheese exporter Somerdale International will be raising the profile of British cheese in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States this week.

The firm, which exports British cheese to more than 50 countries, is showcasing cheeses at Saudi Horeca, a major hospitality show being held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Somerdale director Ernie Waldron said: “The market for British cheese is still in its infancy in the Gulf region but 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.”

Somerdale’s presence in Saudi is focused largely on the supply of mild Cheddar in retail deli and catering block packs. But it believes potential exists 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.

Somerdale also has a growing customer base in Dubai and it will use its presence at Saudi Horeca to develop relationships with customers in other Gulf states including Kuwait and Oman, as well as other Middle East countries such as Lebanon and Jordan.