UK Dairy Exports Valued at £2 Billion Last Year

United Kingdom (UK) 01.10.2024

Source: DairyNews.today

The British dairy sector showcased its products to international markets with more than 40 international buyers and 60 UK businesses participating in a week-long event aimed at boosting exports. Buyers from Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa gathered in the UK for the Dairy Showcase, which highlighted British dairy products such as cheese, butter, yogurt, cream, milk powders, and infant formula.

With UK dairy exports valued at £2 billion last year, the industry aims to build on this success. The event provided overseas buyers with insight into the high standards of British farms and dairy production. Delegates also toured farms and processors in major dairy regions like Somerset, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, and Lancashire.

Developed by the UK government in collaboration with the Dairy Export Taskforce, which includes the NFU, Dairy UK, and AHDB, the Dairy Showcase culminated with a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event and gala reception led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Over 320 business meetings took place during the event, offering a platform for export growth.

Exports Minister Gareth Thomas emphasized the new Labour government’s commitment to supporting dairy producers, particularly small businesses, by expanding export capabilities and leveraging trade agreements. Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner added that new rules to improve fairness in the dairy supply chain, along with efforts to secure a veterinary agreement with the European Union, will help boost the sector’s export potential and support rural economic growth.