UK Dairy and Meat Exports Reach Record £4 Billion in 2025
In 2025, the United Kingdom's dairy and red meat exports reached an unprecedented milestone, collectively valued at £4 billion, as confirmed by HMRC data. The dairy sector alone saw exports rise to £2.2 billion, a notable 16.6% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, red meat exports, including offal, climbed to £2 billion, marking a 12% increase.
The European Union remains the primary destination for these exports, accounting for 73.9% of dairy and 81% of red meat exports. Despite this reliance on the EU market, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is actively seeking to expand into new markets globally.
In 2025, the AHDB launched its most ambitious international trade program, featuring a prominent presence at Anuga, the world's largest food event in Cologne. The board also hosted 28 delegates from various regions, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia, to showcase British farming standards.
Lucy Randolph, head of international trade development for dairy at AHDB, emphasized the importance of exports in maintaining price resilience and supporting long-term profitability. Jonathan Eckley, AHDB international trade development director, highlighted the success of 2025's export figures as indicative of strong global demand for UK produce.
Looking ahead to 2026, the UK aims to continue its export momentum with participation in key events such as the Annual Meat Conference in the USA and Food and Hotel Asia in Singapore, which is expected to be the UK's largest-ever dairy presence.
