A RHYL based cheese company has won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade.

Snowdonia Cheese Company secured the coveted award which recognises the company’s outstanding continuous growth within the International Trade category.

Over the last six years, Snowdonia Cheese’s overseas sales have grown more than six-fold, selling to more than 25 countries including Canada, Australia, the United States, France and Germany.

The company has also created significant job and career opportunities in production, distribution, retail, finance, marketing and sales within the North Wales region.

John Newton-Jones, managing director of Snowdonia Cheese Company, said: “We’re very proud to have received this distinguished award in recognition of our achievements across the business. Our sustained focus on excellent product quality, marketing, innovation and e-commerce has led to continuous growth in both domestic and export markets.

“Looking forward, we will be continuing to invest in growth both in the UK and in international markets.”

Founded in North Wales in 2001, Snowdonia Cheese Company is a family business run by the sons of third-generation dairy farmers. Inspired by the “lush greenery” of beautiful Snowdonia, it uses fresh and natural ingredients to produce a premium range of waxed cheeses and traditionally made chutneys.

The company has won multiple awards for its products since launching its first cheese, its signature Black Bomber extra mature Cheddar, in 2001.

It has been named the “Best British Cheese Brand” in the Fine Food Digest’s Best Brands survey six times and has also been recognised at The British Cheese Awards and Nantwich International Cheese Awards, the World Cheese Awards and Mondial du Fromage in France.

The awards are officially announced in a special Gazette supplement every April. They are designed to recognise and encourage outstanding achievements in the fields of: Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).

This year, 205 UK businesses have been recognised for their contribution.

Her majesty’s lord lieutenants will be presenting the awards to businesses throughout the year.

Kwasi Kwarteng, secretary of state at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: "The past year has been a tough time for many businesses across the UK, which is why it is more important than ever to celebrate the achievements of our wealth creators and recognise the contributions they make to our communities.

"In the last 12 months, British businesses showed the entrepreneurial spirit that this country is renowned for, continuing to drive social mobility, find new markets to export to and produce innovative products and services.

"I congratulate this year’s winners and I wish every business that applied for an award this year every success in the future as we build back better from the pandemic."

To see the full list of winners, visit www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/63334/data.pdf

Winners are permitted to fly The Queen’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on their marketing materials

Winners are also given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy.

The awards are valid for five years.