North Devon dairy’s cheddar is quietly taking the US by storm

Bideford-based Millbrook Dairy has reported “strong international momentum” for its premium Scottish Mature Cheddar, 1057, following rapid growth in sales and nationwide distribution across the United States.

Launched last year, 1057 has been welcomed by specialist cheese retailers and consumers alike, with distribution now exceeding 1,000 stores nationwide. 

The makers say: “The product’s consistent quality, distinctive Scottish provenance and premium flavour profile have driven strong repeat purchase and growing brand recognition within the world’s largest cheese-consuming market.”

Founded just six years ago, Millbrook Dairy says it has built a fast-growing reputation by working closely with expert producers across the UK, Ireland and beyond, sourcing high-quality cheddars, retail formats and premium butter ranges with clear provenance and consistent taste. 

“The success of 1057 in the US reflects Millbrook’s focus on developing products that meet international demand for premium British cheese,” the company said in a press statement last week.

Growth is also being seen in the Australian market, where sales of Millbrook’s 1057 Scottish Cheddar continue to increase within the retail sector, underlining rising appetite for high-quality British dairy across multiple global markets.

Millbrook’s international expansion has been supported by collaborative export partnerships, including with Somerdale International, which provides extensive market expertise and access to established retail and foodservice customers worldwide.

Kevin Beer, director at Millbrook Dairy, said: “We’re extremely proud of the progress 1057 has made in such a short space of time. The response from US customers and consumers has been hugely encouraging, and given the scale of the American cheese market, we see significant opportunity to further grow the brand and expand Millbrook’s international presence.”

Alan Jenkins, director at Somerdale International and Head of Sales for the USA, added: “1057 has quickly established itself as a premium Scottish cheddar with strong appeal in the US. Its quality, provenance and flavour profile are resonating well with specialist customers and we’re pleased to support its continued growth across the market.”

Somerdale International exports more than 250 British cheeses to over 50 countries worldwide, working with leading retailers, distributors and foodservice operators to champion the best of British dairy on the global stage.

Millbrook Dairy Company was founded in 2019 by respected dairy industry experts David Evans and Kevin Beer. Since then, it hasn’t looked back.

The company supplies a diverse range of the highest quality British, Irish and Scottish cheese and butter into a growing wholesale and grocery home market and international customer base in USA, China, Canada, Australia and South America.

The business has achieved huge success and growth since its first year of trading when it delivered an incredible turnover of £15million, outperforming its initial expectations by more than 500 per cent. The growth didn’t stop there.  In its third year of trading (2023) it achieved a turnover of over £42million and the business continues to go from strength to strength.

In 2020, Millbrook Dairy launched its own 1057 brand, an extra mature Scottish cheddar for export and wholesale, alongside its own-label cheddars.

In 2021, the business won a first for its own-label Creamery Mature Cheddar and a third place for its own-label Creamery Vintage Cheddar at the Virtual Cheese Awards.  Its 1057 Scottish cheddar won its first star at the Great Taste Awards and was awarded a bronze in the Best Scottish Cheese category at the International Cheese Awards.

In 2022, Millbrook  won the Creamery Vintage Cheddar class with its 1057 Scottish cheddar at the Virtual Cheese Awards. In 2023, Millbrook  partnered with the award-winning Perthshire boutique Persie Distillery to create its very own limited edition, 1057 Scottish Gin.

In 2024, Millbrook  was honoured with the UK’s highest business accolade, The King’s Awards for Enterprise: International Trade 2024.   

2025 saw the business grow further across multiple global markets and launching new products  such as cheese sticks.