World-class British cheese has held the winning hand in Las Vegas at an exclusive event for key industry buyers.

Twelve exporters took part in the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)-hosted British Cheese Night at the Foundation Rooms, Mandalay Bay Hotel.

The event, which AHDB was running for the third year, coincided with the Winter Fancy Food Show and connected British cheese exporters with existing customers and potential new ones, including some who visited the UK last year as part of the Department of Business and Trade-led Dairy Showcase.

It attracted high end buyers from hotels and retailers, chefs and distributors and included cheese displays and tastings.

Lucy Randolph, AHDB Head of International Trade Development (Dairy), said: "This was our third British Cheese Night and it proved to be a huge success again for our exporters to showcase their world-class produce to high end buyers in this important market.

"It was great to catch up again with some of the buyers who visited the UK for the Dairy Showcase last September, as well as being able to meet with new contacts in-market. There really is no substitute for being able to taste quality produce. That's exactly what our export businesses deliver and feedback from the event has been incredibly positive and encouraging."

The US is the UK's second biggest dairy export market and AHDB analysis has highlighted further opportunities with increasing levels of cheese consumption.

Lucy added: "Our dairy exports have established an enviable reputation and firm foothold in the US market and the potential for further growth is encouraging. Events like the British Cheese Night play a key role in helping to ensure our produce remains front and centre in helping us realise the potential the market offers our exporters."

Further details about export opportunities for UK dairy in specific regions around the world can be found in the AHDB analysis Prospects for UK agri-food exports.