Prospects for UK agri-food exports: Asia

Asia holds significant potential for UK exports due to its large population, increasing middle-class wealth, rising meat consumption and consumers’ high regard for food safety and quality.

This page was last updated in November 2026.

Prospects for UK agri-food exports to Asia are among the highest in the world due to the huge market size and its relatively high meat consumption, which will only grow as overall wealth increases.

The region is home to some of the world's largest and fastest-growing consumer markets, where rising incomes, urbanisation and changing dietary habits are driving increased demand for meat, dairy and other high-value food products.

China is the obvious jewel in the crown of the Asian market, but there are others in the region that also have the potential to be attractive if the UK gets its ducks in a row.

Asia provides an eclectic mix. There is the opportunity of sending premium meat cuts and dairy products to satisfy consumers’ appetites in more advanced economies such as Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

However, there is also strong potential for shipping products perceived as low value in the UK market, such as offal, which will help in carcase balance, minimising waste and maximising value to producers. 

Convenience is becoming a major driver of food purchasing across Asia as lifestyles become busier, with a trend towards eating on the go and smaller pack sizes.

Demand for dairy products is becoming increasingly focused on health benefits such as high protein and functional benefits.

AHDB research has shown that quality, food safety and price are high on the agenda for the Asian consumer when it comes to buying meat and dairy products ‒ and this is a box that the UK can easily tick, given its high food production standards.

However, it is important to market these qualities effectively; UK products will tend to be more expensive than domestic ones, so consumers need to know why they are paying extra.

In order to create and maintain trade with Asian buyers, long-term relationships and trust play a key role.

Awareness of market-by-market certification requirements keeps exporters in good stead, and the soft-power pull of British provenance should not be underestimated.

Inevitably, there are challenges associated with the Asian export market.

These range from competition for red meat from fish and poultry, competition from top global exporters such as Australia and New Zealand, stringent export requirements and potential geopolitical disruption.

The UK’s membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also provides a good base for developing trading relationships with fellow members located in Asia.

Making inroads is not going to be easy and will need a carefully considered and meticulous strategy ‒ one that maximises positive messaging around what the UK has to offer.

However, once we weigh these up, the prize to be gained will merit the effort in getting there.