A Somerset cheese maker has launched a new brand of cheese that's designed for export.

Wykes Farms has created 'London 1856' specifically for the rapidly growing Asian market and is the first of its cheddars to be launched on a global scale.

The company has been working on the creation of an export brand suitable for global distribution since Brexit discussions began.

"In many of the emerging regions we are seeing the first generation within families who are able to travel; the first trip is often London to experience the tastes and culture of the UK," says Rich Clothier, third generation cheesemaker and managing director at Wyke Farms.

"Because of this and the success of the London Olympics, ‘Cool Britannia' is a growing sentiment and one we have been market researching for a number of years.

"We are now ready with the right cheese, in the right place and at the right time."

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Wyke Farms has been exporting cheddar to more than 160 countries for the past 20 years. However, the move to launch a globally recognisable brand to formalise their offering has been part of the company's ‘Brexit proofing' strategy.

Wyke Farms' cheese and butter is made with the milk from its cows grazing the pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the cheddar making region in Somerset.