AHDB aims to expand UK dairy sector in US

Speciality cheese from Britain will be showcased at America’s largest annual foodservice trade show.

In a bid to expand the presence of the UK’s dairy sector within the US, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will be exhibiting at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.

AHDB has never previously had a dairy presence at the show, which is expected to bring together more than 67,000 foodservice professionals from around the world.

Cheese from Somerdale, Coombe Castle, Lye Cross Farm and Lactalis, including old Orkney and old Edinburgh cheese, will be exhibited.

In 2016, the US was the top non-EU destination for UK cheese.

Sales are growing steadily by around 1,000 tonnes per year, with the majority of sales being for cheddar or cheddar variants.

AHDB senior export manager Lucy Randolph said: “America is an important market for the dairy sector and the National Restaurant Association Show brings thousands of foodservice professionals together under one roof.

“This show represents an opportunity to find out how best AHDB can support those companies already exporting to the US and encourage other companies to enter this lucrative market.”

Last year, the UK exported 8,329 tonnes of cheese to the US and 1,092 tonnes of butter/spreads. The US imports around 250,000 tonnes of dairy products in total, of which some 130,000 tonnes is cheese.

AHDB is also exhibiting a selection of British beef, lamb and pork at Hofex, Asia’s leading food and hospitality trade show.

There is growing demand for British cheese in the US.