Somerdale International (Somerdale) has been presented with its Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset Mrs Anne Maw at a ceremony held today at the company’s Wellington headquarters. The winning of the prestigious Queen’s Award, which was announced at the end of April, recognises Somerdale’s sustained track record in becoming a leading exporter of high quality British cheeses and dairy products to over 50 countries around the world.
The ceremony which was attended by Somerdale’s staff, representatives from many of its British cheesemaker supply partners and local dignitaries was also used to mark over a quarter of a century of growth and development for the Somerset based business.
Presenting a cut glass bowl and certificate, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, Mrs Anne Maw, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset said “In Britain, and of course here in Somerset, we make some of the very best tasting cheeses in the world. It is therefore particularly pleasing to be able to recognise the success of Somerdale International in growing exports of cheese internationally.”
Commenting on the award Nairn Glen, Chairman of Somerdale International, said: “We are extremely honoured to have been presented with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. The Award recognises the experience and expertise we have accumulated in more than 25 years of exporting to all parts of the globe; the skill and dedication of our staff; and the excellence of our partner suppliers who produce some of the very best British cheeses.
“As has been well documented, the last few years have been very challenging for all involved in the British dairy industry. At Somerdale we strongly believe that developing the market for British dairy exports will be a key element going forward for securing the growth and sustainability of this important sector. As such, we won’t be resting on our laurels and will be doing everything we can to promote and sell British cheeses across the world.”
Founded by directors Stephen Jones and Ernie Waldron, Somerdale International is now in its 26th year of operation and has a turnover of over £32 million, of which exports represent c.95%.
Today, Somerdale exports great tasting British cheeses to over 50 countries across the globe. It is the leading exporter of British cheese to the USA with shipments leaving for New York every week. While it has also grown its presence in key markets such as China and the Far East, the Caribbean, Australia and emerging markets such as the Middle East & North Africa and Brazil.
It has long established partnerships with many of the highest quality cheese producers in Great Britain and this allows it to offer a comprehensive range of award winning traditional, quintessentially British, cheeses. At the same time, it is able to work with its supply partners to develop new cheeses, brands and packaging formats to meet the diverse requirements of the international marketplace.
It is the second time Somerdale International has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade having also received it in 2009.
For further information:
Will Sanderson, Director Sanderson Communications
M: 07969 918542
E: will@sandersoncomms.co.uk
Source: Somerdale International
