Cheesemaker Joseph Heler is set to boost its sales to Muslim consumers as a ­result of its new halal ­certification.

Heler was assessed by the European Halal Development Agency, with all aspects of its cheese production evaluated. Heler had previously moved to using vegetarian rennet for all its cheeses necessary to its becoming halal.

The company now plans to make its cheeses more widely available to British Muslims as well as Muslim markets overseas.

Operations director Mark Beavon said Heler had been striving for some time to gain halal accreditation to broaden its appeal. "With growing demand for British cheese overseas, this allows us to take a giant leap into markets such as Asia," he said.

Halal cheese from Heler includes territorials such as Red Leicester and Double Gloucester as well as Continental-style cheeses including a Gruyère.