Developing overseas dairy markets

Exports of British cheese are growing steadily. Therefore, it’s important we continue to showcase our products at overseas events, says AHDB’s Lucy Randolph, Senior Exports Manager (Livestock).

A staggering £1.37 billion worth of dairy produce was exported to markets around the world in the first nine months of 2022 – up 37% on the same period the previous year.

According to the latest data from HMRC, between January and September, more than 933,000 tonnes of products were shipped across the globe, up from almost 890,000 tonnes in 2021.

In the third quarter of 2022, exports of dairy to North America were 4% higher than in 2021, at 4,152 tonnes, driven by increased exports to the US.

America is a key target market, and in November US buyers had the chance to sample more than 25 British cheeses at an AHDB reception in Miami.

And earlier last year, we attended America’s largest show devoted exclusively to speciality foods and beverages. Summer Fancy Food in New York City attracts more than 47,000 food professionals.

Both events formed part of our ongoing activity in the US to continue flying the flag for dairy – in a bid to put more products in American consumers’ baskets. And latest figures show that cheese exports to the US have risen year-on-year, with quarter three up 1% in terms of volume and 21% in value to £19.2 million due to higher commodity prices.

The Far East also remains an important market for dairy exports. In August, we were in Singapore at Food and Hotel Asia (FHA) which attracts more than 40,000 trade delegates looking to supply restaurants, hotels, and the food service sector.

Singapore is a valuable market for UK dairy exports, with £9.7 million worth of dairy products exported in 2021. However, the high-profile event also provides a platform for exporters to showcase dairy to buyers in the wider South East Asia region.

We were joined by five dairy exporters from the UK, who were at the show to promote a selection of cheese and baby formula to potential buyers. And as well as hosting a stand at the event, we also displayed our virtual reality project – enabling visitors to take a journey through the cheesemaking process in the UK.

Our levy payers have told us they value the work of exports, and we are continuing to look at new and innovative ways to grow dairy exports in new and existing markets in the year ahead.