A Somerset-based dairy company is set to increase its exports to China by 50% in the next two years with the launch of new products.

Somerdale International, based in Wellington, exports British cheese brands including Westminster Cheddar, Cropwell Bishop and Long Clawson, to 50 countries around the world.

Part of the business’s plans to increase exports to China is the launch of a variety of new cheese products, which will include packaged cheese slices. The products will come in a variety of new flavours and packet sizes to appeal to the Chinese market.

The business has received support from advisers at the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) to help it navigate the Chinese market, including help to address concerns around the language barrier and legal and tax regulations.

Last year food and drink exports to China from the south west increased by 260%. The country has specifically acquired a taste for UK dairy products. Local firms exported over £93m worth of dairy produce to China last year.

Stephen Jones, director of Somerdale International, said: “British-made cheese is extremely popular all over the world. Demand is currently booming in China, making now the ideal time to launch products tailored for the Chinese market. For example, our Chinese customers prefer lighter cheeses blended with fruits and sweet flavours.

“One of the main barriers we’ve experienced when exporting to China is the strict regulations for ingredients. There are certain cooking oils and flavourings that, while popular in the UK, aren’t used at all in China. Naturally, Chinese consumers are cautious of ingredient lists that contain items they’ve never heard of. To combat this, we now reformulate our cheeses before approaching Chinese markets.

“Finding a buyer is a particularly difficult part of the exporting process, especially given the language barrier and cultural differences. The support we’ve received from our DIT trade adviser on this has been vital in establishing our brand in China. They outlined the international trade shows we should exhibit at, helping us introduce our products to the right people. We’ve received dedicated support to help navigate the whole exporting process from a team that fully understands the Chinese market. If we can do it, so can many other local firms.”

The DIT has 25 international trade advisers across the south west to help the region's firms to navigate new territories.

Firms looking for support should contact 01275 370 944 or email DITsw@mobile.trade.gov.uk. They can also visit great.gov.uk, which gives UK businesses access to millions of pounds’ worth of potential overseas business, helping them start or increase exporting.