Somerdale Further Enhances U.S. Team with Alison Velasco Appointment

Somerdale International, the No.1 specialist importer of British & Irish cheese into the United States, is delighted to announce that it has appointed Alison Velasco as its new East Coast Sales Manager. The appointment is set to build further Somerdale’s presence in the USA where it has enjoyed a record year with its sales and distribution of the very best British and Irish specialty cheese growing strongly for the 12 months to end of March 2026.

Prior to joining Somerdale, Alison spent the last 11 years at a highly regarded importer of cheeses and specialty foods from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, and Switzerland, most recently as Director of Business Development. While before that, having started her career on a Murray’s Cheese counter and then as a private chef, she was a Cheese Specialist at Whole Foods Market.

Commenting on Alison Velasco’s appointment, Alan Jenkins, Director of Somerdale International said, “Alison has an impressive track record in helping to grow and develop sales of specialty cheese in the USA. Her knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our position as the premier importer of the very best British and Irish cheese into the United States.

Alison Velasco commented, “After spending the last decade focused on selling continental European specialties, I’m excited to sink my teeth into the very best cheese from across the British Isles. I can’t wait to share with existing and new customers our unrivalled range of classic, contemporary and celebratory cheeses made by outstanding British and Irish cheesemakers.”

About Somerdale International

Based in Wellington, Somerset, Somerdale International is a leading UK exporter of British cheese & dairy products. Now in our 37th year of operation, today Somerdale exports British cheese to over 50 countries worldwide. Today, we are the largest exporter of specialty British cheese to the USA with shipments leaving for New York every week.

Somerdale’s range of British cheese, which is unparalleled in its quality and breadth, has been central to its success in the USA. This has been complemented by Somerdale’s dedicated in-market sales team and comprehensive network of regional distributors located across the United States. A network which is central to Somerdale’s ability to providing national, regional and independent retailers and foodservice providers with the opportunity to carry the very best British cheese.