LONDON: Exports of cheese from the UK have risen 23% on 2016 to surpass the £615 million mark last year, according to the latest figures from HMRC.
The data shows volumes of exported cheese rose by five per cent from the previous year – reaching just over 170,000 tonnes.
While cheddar continues to dominate exports, fresh cheeses – and in particular mozzarella – saw strong export growth in the year.
The lion’s share was shipped to European markets with Ireland, France and the Netherlands remaining the most important destinations. Shipments to Germany have been declining, although replaced by increased sales to Denmark and Poland.
Figures also show an increase in cheese exports to Asia, mainly to the Philippines, with volumes up 27% year-on-year. The relatively high increase in average prices in these markets meant the value of cheddar exports rose by 57% over the year.
AHDB Senior Export Manager Lucy Randolph said the latest figures are a testament to the high quality cheese produced in the UK and the growing reputation for the country’s dairy products.
