Premium cheese from the UK will descend on the American marketplace this week at a major dairy show in Florida.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will be attending IDDBA 19 in Orlando from June 2 to 4, to highlight the taste and versatility of UK dairy products.

It’s the second time AHDB’s export team has exhibited at the high-profile event run by the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA).

IDDBA targets only serious buyers, merchandisers and executives who have a shared passion for food and the industry; therefore, offering UK cheese exporters a number of exciting opportunities.

An important market

The US is an important market for UK dairy products, with over 7,000t of cheese shipped to America last year – up 3% compared to 2017.

In 2018, cheese exports to America, which were predominantly Cheddar, were worth almost £50 million.

AHDB senior export manager Lucy Randolph said the IDDBA event was an important show for the UK dairy sector as it attracts more than 9,000 key influencers, all ready to build relationships and buy new products.

“America is our second largest export market and a key focus for our dairy exports,” she said.

Consumers in the US are developing a growing appetite for UK cheese and while Cheddar remains the most popular choice, we are starting to see interest in other brands and flavours.

“We look forward to attending this popular show once again where we will showcase the exceptional taste and versatility of a range of cheese from the UK and we hope our presence will help grow exports to this important market.”

Exporters attending the show include Coombe Castle, Somerdale, The Fine Cheese Co, Singletons, Belton Farms, Fayrefield Foods, Wyke Farms, Snowdonia and others.