UK signs deal to export raw milk cheeses to Australia

A deal has been signed by the UK government to allow a dozen British raw milk cheeses to be exported to Australia.

Up until now, Australia had only allowed two types of raw milk cheese to be imported – and both are from France.

But in a landmark deal signed on 20 July – which has been four years in the making – 12 British cheesemaking companies will be able to sell their raw milk cheese down under.

See also: Batters hits out as UK-Australia deal passes without debate

The list includes iconic Red Leicester, Gloucester and cheddar artisan cheeses with a long track record for safety in the UK, made by dairy farmers themselves.

NEWS: Good news for cheese-lovers! 🧀 From Appleby’s Double Gloucester to Westcombe Cheddar, 12 British 🇬🇧 raw milk cheeses can now be exported to be enjoyed by Aussies 🇦🇺 thanks to a deal signed in London yesterday.#MarketAccess #Cheese #FoodExports pic.twitter.com/mhSKoYLKbS

— UK in Australia 🇬🇧🇦🇺 (@ukinaustralia) July 21, 2022

Neal’s Yard Dairy, a wholesaler and raw milk cheese expert based in London, said it was delighted by the agreement.

“We look forward to sending our first pallets of raw milk cheeses to Australia very soon!” said the company in a statement on its website.

‘Stamp of excellence’

Defra farm minister Victoria Prentis said: “British cheese is famous around the world for its taste, quality and heritage, and today’s agreement is a sign of that stamp of excellence.

“I am delighted British raw milk cheesemakers will be able to sell their produce to Australia for the first time ever.

“This may be a small market, but it is evidence of the work this government is doing on all fronts to expand export opportunities for British farmers and producers.”