Somerdale International Ltd, based in Wellington, Somerset, United Kingdom, is one of the leading exporters of British cheese and dairy products. Founded in 1990, the company has established itself as a major player in international markets, renowned for championing traditional and innovative British cheese across more than 50 countries worldwide.
Core Business and Offerings
Somerdale specializes in:
- Cheddar and British Cheese: Including matured and vintage cheddar under flagship brands like Westminster and Barber’s 1833 Vintage Reserve.
- Blended and Specialty Cheeses: Such as Wensleydale with Cranberries, Il Truffelino, and cheeses infused with honey, lemon, blueberries, and other unique flavors.
- Territorial Cheeses: Like Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, and Stilton.
- Private Label and Custom Products: For retailers and foodservice clients globally.
The portfolio includes over 250 cheese varieties, catering to traditional palates and contemporary culinary innovations.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Somerdale’s USP lies in its:
- Export Focus: 95% of total sales derived from international exports.
- Product Innovation: Leaders in developing British-style cheeses blended with exotic ingredients.
- Brand Development: Known for brands like Westminster, Barber’s, Il Truffelino, and the Territorial Range.
- Global Distribution Network: Weekly consolidated shipments to the USA, and frequent exports to the Gulf, China, Australia, and Europe.
The company maintains its own refrigerated distribution facility strategically located near the M5 motorway, enabling efficient logistics.
Financial Strength
In the financial year 2021–2022:
- Turnover: £44.3 million
- Operating Profit: £1.7 million
- Net Profit: £1.2 million
These figures reflect Somerdale’s robust export operations and strong market demand for British cheeses.
Shipment Records
Somerdale ships to over 50 countries with a strong presence in:
- United States: Products available in 700+ outlets of Kroger and Publix.
- Gulf States, Australia, China, and Europe: Strategic markets with tailored product lines and regional compliance.
The company conducts weekly exports to the U.S., making it one of the most consistent suppliers of British cheese overseas.
Target Market
Somerdale targets:
- Supermarket chains and grocery retailers
- Foodservice distributors
- Hospitality chains
- Specialty cheese stores
- Importers and distributors across global food markets
Its tailored approach to branding and packaging makes it suitable for both retail and bulk wholesale formats.
Capabilities
- Cheese Sourcing: Partners with traditional British dairies including Barber’s (UK’s oldest cheddar makers).
- Cold Chain & Export Compliance: Fully managed cold chain operations to meet export requirements of diverse markets.
- Product Customization: Capable of creating region-specific flavors and label designs.
The acquisition of the Abergavenny Fine Foods cheese business in 2021 further enhanced its product range and R&D capabilities.
Certifications and Compliance
Somerdale adheres to:
- BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standards
- FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) Compliance for U.S. exports
- Halal Certification for products in Gulf markets (select ranges)
Their rigorous standards ensure quality and regulatory adherence in all active markets.
Customer Testimonials
While specific testimonials are not publicly displayed, long-standing partnerships with major supermarket chains such as:
- Kroger
- Publix
- Costco
- Whole Foods (select regions)
demonstrate consistent buyer trust and product satisfaction over decades.
Major Achievements
- Queen’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade): Awarded in 2009 and 2016, a testament to excellence in overseas business.
- Global Brand Expansion: Recognized in U.S., Gulf, and Asia-Pacific markets for brand reliability and product quality.
- 2023 Acquisition: Acquired by Barber’s Group, strengthening vertical integration from farm to shelf.
- Strategic Retail Penetration: Launched new lines in 700+ U.S. stores, achieving significant market share in North America.
Somerdale International Ltd continues to redefine the global reach of British cheese, standing as a testament to sustainable export growth, innovation, and heritage preservation.
