CHEESE and other dairy products from the UK will have their biggest presence ever at the world’s largest annual food innovation exhibition in Paris this month.

This year’s SIAL Paris show will see 15 dairy producers join the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board in the British Dairy Pavilion for the popular five-day event, being held at the Paris Nord Villepinte from October 21 to 25. It is expected to attract more than 160,000 visitors from 194 countries, making it the largest international marketplace for foodservice professionals.

AHDB senior export manager for dairy, Lucy Randolph, said: “This is the third year the dairy export team has attended SIAL Paris and this year we will have the biggest presence ever at this incredible event which attracts visitors from all over the world.

“We are delighted to be joining 15 producers from the UK who will be showcasing a selection of dairy products to some of the world’s leading importers. This year, we have also secured a large space within the pavilion where exhibitors can meet with key figures in the dairy sector and help build relationships to grow our export market.”

Exports of cheese from the UK continue to grow, with total figures up 23% in 2017 to over £615 million. The lion’s share was destined for the EU with the value of shipments rising to £464 million – up 29% on 2016.

Lucy added: “The SIAL Paris show, which is growing year-on-year, allows us to build on our already impressive export figures to this incredibly important market. We look forward to attending this exhibition once again.”