British cheese is growing in popularity in Germany, new figures have indicated.

Exports to Germany increased by 20 per cent and were worth £392 million during the first half of this year, compared with £326 million in 2009, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Sales of cheeses to countries outside of the European Union reached £1.1 billion, a 23 per cent rise on last year's results, while exports to the US went up by 41 per cent and were worth £185 million.

British Cheese Board secretary Nigel White suggested the statistics showed cheese created in Britain - which is often featured in luxury gift hampers - is some of the best in the world.

"Last year was an extraordinarily bad year for blue cheese due to the global recession, but these figures are very encouraging," he added.

Mr White also explained the US is purchasing more British Stilton, following a recent lull.

Cheese fans will have the chance to sample a range of products at the Great British Cheese Festival, which takes place this weekend (September 25th and 26th) in the surroundings of Cardiff Castle.