FIRST Milk continues to make progress with its export sales, with news last week that it has secured a deal with a Texan fine foods retailer, for the export of Mull of Kintyre cheddar.

The order means that the premium Scottish cheddar is available for the key holiday season in the US, as Americans this week celebrate Thanksgiving, and begin to stock up for Christmas and New Year.

Fraser Brown, Sales Director – Export & Trading for First Milk said: “Developing added value export sales is a key part of our business strategy, as we remain focused on driving more stable returns for our farmer owners.

“Despite the depressed market situation around the world, US markets are performing stronger, with quality cheddar selling for premium prices, and demand increasing year on year.

“We have also developed a US-specific pre-packed variant of Mull of Kintyre, in response to growing appetite among Americans for our premium Scottish cheddar, which we will be shipping out in the coming weeks.”

Throughout 2014, First Milk’s export team has secured a growing number of new customers around the world. Whilst faced with unprecedented market volatility, these new sales will have a limited impact on milk price in the short-term, but their growth demonstrates the opportunities which exist to add greater value to its member’s milk over the longer-term.

First Milk is also focusing on international growth for its lifestyle nutrition brand CNP, with sales throughout the EU and more recently in the Middle-East, where the co-operative has been shipping its Team Sky Smoothie range to the United Arab Emirates.