Coombe Castle International Ltd., headquartered in Melksham, United Kingdom, is a globally recognized exporter of premium British and Irish dairy products. With over four decades of experience, the company has earned a strong reputation for quality, authenticity, and reliability in the export of cheeses, creams, and other complementary dairy-based food items.
Company Background and Core Business
Founded in 1980, Coombe Castle International has grown from a regional British cheese supplier to a globally distributed brand available in over 40 countries. The company focuses on manufacturing, sourcing, and exporting artisanal and traditionally crafted dairy products from the UK and Ireland to a worldwide customer base. Its offerings are centered around a portfolio of award-winning products under its flagship brand Coombe Castle, as well as Devon Cream Company.
Their operations cover end-to-end management of dairy product export, including packaging, regulatory compliance, cold chain logistics, and market-specific labelling.
Product and Service Offerings
Coombe Castle offers a wide array of dairy products grouped into the following categories:
-
Cheeses
- Traditional: Cheddar, Red Leicester, Double Gloucester
- Specialty: Blue Stilton, Wensleydale with Cranberries, Truffle Cheddar, Sage Derby
- Goat and Sheep Milk Cheeses
- Plant-based: Vegan Cheese Options
-
Creams
- Clotted Cream (Devonshire and Cornish styles)
- Double Cream
- Single Cream (Shelf-stable and refrigerated formats)
-
Butter
- Traditional British Creamy Butter
- Welsh Salted Butter
-
Chutneys and Accompaniments
- Cheese-paired chutneys and relishes
- Artisan crackers and biscuits
-
Accessories
- Cheese slicers, cutting boards, packaging kits for retail partners
These products cater to both retail and foodservice sectors, offered in various packaging formats including pre-cut wedges, tubs, and gift boxes.
Specialization and Core USP
Coombe Castle’s unique selling proposition lies in its commitment to authentic British provenance and stringent quality standards. Its core strengths include:
- Export Expertise: Over 40 years of experience in meeting diverse international regulatory and labelling requirements.
- Product Quality: Strict sourcing from accredited British and Irish dairy farms and creameries.
- Custom Packaging Solutions: OEM and private label options tailored to distributor needs.
- Ambient Cream Technology: Shelf-stable clotted cream that maintains traditional flavor without refrigeration.
Financial and Export Performance
Coombe Castle has demonstrated consistent growth in global exports, particularly in the following markets:
- North America: USA and Canada account for over 40% of total exports, with year-on-year growth driven by specialty retailers and Whole Foods Market partnerships.
- Asia-Pacific: Increasing penetration into Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, especially for ambient clotted cream products.
- Middle East: Partnerships with gourmet distributors and hospitality groups in UAE and Saudi Arabia.
According to publicly available import-export databases:
- The company exports to over 40 countries.
- Estimated export value (2023): £25–30 million.
- Export growth rate (CAGR 2018–2023): ~12%.
- Peak seasonal sales during Christmas and Spring, driven by cheese gift sets and clotted cream for afternoon teas.
Target Market
Coombe Castle targets a broad yet specific market spectrum:
- Specialty Cheese Retailers and Delicatessens
- Luxury Grocery Chains
- Online Gourmet Food Retailers
- Hotel Chains and Afternoon Tea Providers
- Airline and Cruise Line Caterers
- Gift Hampers and Seasonal Product Distributors
Their consumer base typically comprises premium food lovers, British expatriates, and foodservice institutions aiming to serve traditional UK dairy.
Capabilities
Coombe Castle maintains a sophisticated cold chain logistics and warehousing facility in Melksham, Wiltshire. Key capabilities include:
- ISO 22000 and BRC-certified facilities
- Multi-lingual labelling and regulatory compliance
- Shelf-stable production and nitrogen-sealing lines
- Small-batch artisanal processing and large-scale export packing
They work in partnership with UK-based dairy cooperatives and independently operated creameries for fresh sourcing.
Certifications and Compliance
Coombe Castle’s operations and products adhere to high standards, with certifications such as:
- BRCGS Food Safety Certification (AA grade)
- Organic Certification (for select SKUs)
- Halal Certification (for Middle East exports)
- Kosher Certification (for selected cheeses)
- FDA and CFIA Compliance for US and Canadian imports
These allow seamless integration with import laws across continents.
Customer Testimonials and Reviews
Though not publicly listed in bulk, reviews from distributors and clients featured in trade journals and B2B showcases consistently cite:
- “Reliable exporter of best-of-Britain dairy. Our long-time partner for over a decade.” – North American Specialty Food Importer
- “Coombe Castle's clotted cream is the gold standard for our tea services.” – Hotel Chain, Tokyo
- “Unmatched expertise in dairy export logistics.” – European Gourmet Food Distributor
Major Achievements
- 2009–2022: Continuous exhibitor at major global trade fairs like Anuga, SIAL, and Gulfood.
- 2021: Recognized by UK Department for International Trade for export excellence.
- 2023: Expansion of ambient clotted cream line with improved packaging for Asian markets.
- 2024: Opened new distribution lines into South America and East Africa.
Coombe Castle International stands as a hallmark of British dairy excellence, combining heritage with modern logistics and market adaptability. With deep-rooted expertise and a global distribution network, the company continues to deliver the essence of traditional British dairy to the world.