The Secretary of State for international Trade, Elizabeth Truss MP, has agreed to visit an award-winning Rhyl-based cheese business to celebrate their success after it was highlighted in the House of Commons this week by Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies.
During questions on the new UK-Australia free trade agreement secured by the Prime Ministers on Tuesday, James highlighted the benefits this will bring to The Snowdonia Cheese Company and invited the Secretary of State to visit the company.
He said:
“The Snowdonia Cheese Company, which is based in Rhyl but also has footprints in Deeside and Wrexham, is expanding 20% to 30% per annum and is a North Walian success story, combining milk from local farmers with brand Britain to rapidly expand its sales overseas. Australia is a key market for Snowdonia cheese, and, with tariffs lifted, the company stands to do even better.
"Will my right hon. Friend visit Rhyl to celebrate with the company its enthusiasm for a UK-Australia trade deal?”
The Secretary of State agreed that the deal will benefit the company hugely and told James she would be delighted to visit.
She said:
“This deal is great for UK cheese companies. There is currently an 11% tariff on products such as Snowdonia cheese, which will be removed as part of this deal.
“I would be delighted to visit the company and celebrate its success. This is what we want to see. Currently, only one in five of our food and drink companies exports. There are huge opportunities overseas and we need to see more and follow the lead of the Snowdonia Cheese Company.”
Speaking afterwards, James said:
"The Snowdonia Cheese Company is a family business which was established in 2001 with the aim of creating a luxury range of Welsh cheeses. Since that time, it has gone from strength to strength and I am delighted that its future is now even more promising thanks to the deal secured by the Prime Minister this week. I look forward to welcoming the Secretary of State to Rhyl, hopefully in the not too distant future, and showcasing this fantastic North Wales business."
