Somerdale International acquired by Barber’s Cheesemakers

The announcement follows years of collaboration, which has seen Somerdale exporting Barber’s cheeses to more than 20 countries across the globe, including its 1833 Vintage Reserve Cheddar.

“Our vision at Somerdale has always been to grow, on a sustainable basis, the export of the finest British cheese and dairy products across the globe,”​ said Stephen Jones, co-founder and director of Somerdale International. “We’ve made great progress in this and believe that our deal with Barbers, with whom we share many common values and goals, will provide us with the necessary financial investment and security to take British dairy exports to the next level.”​

Somerdale will maintain its position as an exporter of a range of British cheese and dairy products sourced from many of the UK’s leading producers, and continue to operate from its headquarters in Wellington, Somerset. It will also retain all of its UK and overseas staff and senior management team.

“It is important to stress that Somerdale will continue to act as a standalone business. Indeed, from a customer and supplier point of view, we don’t envisage that the deal will result in any major changes. We will maintain our ability to offer our overseas customers the very best of British cheeses sourced from many of the UK’s leading producers," ​added Jones.

Commented on the news, Giles Barber, managing director of Barber's, added: “We are delighted to reinforce our long and successful partnership with Somerdale with this even closer tie up for the future. We look forward to helping build on the amazing platform they have created for promoting great British cheese and dairy products to a truly global customer base.”​