Over 140 potential buyers attended a showcase event in Canada this month to celebrate specialty cheese from the UK.

AHDB joined the UK Government's Department for Business and Trade at the showcase in Toronto to raise awareness of UK cheese making, with more than 85 varieties of cheese sampled.

Independent Canadian retailers, as well as big names including Costco and Sobey's, attended the successful event to celebrate cheese producers and artisans from the UK.

The Deputy Head of Mission for the British High Commission Ottawa, Dave Prodger welcomed guests and thanked them for their continued support for UK cheese makers.

AHDB's North America agent for dairy Paul Blake was instrumental in securing such a large number of representatives to attend the event.

Paul said: "We are thrilled that so many retailers and potential buyers turned up for our showcase to sample some of the best cheese the UK has to offer. It was a really successful event and the feedback we received was very encouraging.

"I believe competition is good for the whole industry. Competition creates better sales for the domestic market, as well as the import market. British cheeses are still growing. We're currently number five on the list of imported cheeses, which is amazing."

Canada produces well-known varieties such as cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, cream cheese and cottage cheese. Whereas the UK makes a much wider range of different cheeses, some of which are not made anywhere else.