Cheese makers in the Northern Powerhouse are profiting from record demand for their produce overseas, finds new analysis of HMRC data by the Department for International Trade (DIT) has found that .

Exports of dairy products from the region grew by 16.2% in 2018 to reach a total value of £340 million, while total UK cheese exports rose by 10.8% in 2018 to reach a total value of £665 million.

This week cheese makers from around the world are gathering in Cheshire for the International Cheese and Dairy Awards, the biggest event of its kind anywhere.

One British cheesemaker leading the way is the Snowdonia Cheese Company, which will be exhibiting at this week’s awards and is experiencing major export growth. This follows support from DIT to attend trade shows in Hong Kong and Singapore recently.

Richard Newton-Jones, commercial director at the Snowdonia Cheese Company commented: “Over the last seven years, we’ve expanded our business into international markets including Canada, US, Europe, Australia and Asia. These markets in particular seem to have a real affinity with British products and consumers and investors have been extremely warm and welcoming to us. It’s helped to grow the business significantly.

“In Asia we have established business in Singapore and Hong Kong where we work with local distributors.”

Similarly, Cryer & Stott, a family run cheesemonger based in Castleford, West Yorkshire, has its sights set on exporting to the UAE after its artisan cheeses impressed buyers at the world’s largest annual food tradeshow Gulfood in Dubai earlier this year.