British cheese is about to gain a foothold in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states in a move to bolster exports in the Middle East.
Somerdale International, the leading exporter of British cheese to over 50 countries around the globe, will be raising the profile of British cheese in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states this Autumn.
Somerdale in partnership with its Middle East distributor Gulf Central Co Ltd will be showcasing a range of British cheese at Saudi Horeca, the major hospitality show being held between 13th to 15th November at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
With sales worth in excess of £1.2 million last year, currently Somerdale’s presence in Saudi is focused largely on the supply, under its Westminster brand, of mild Cheddar in retail deli and catering block packs.
However, it believes that there is potential 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.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, Somerdale also has a growing customer base in Dubai and it will use its presence at Saudi Horeca to develop further relationships with customers in other Gulf states including Kuwait and Oman, as well as other Middle East countries such as Lebanon and Jordan.
Commenting further Ernie Waldron, Director of Somerdale International said: “The market for British cheese is still in its infancy in the Gulf region however we believe there are opportunities for its development.
“Currently, Somerdale’s Westminster brand of Cheddar is the 3 rd 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.
