From South Cumbria to Dubai: Exploring global opportunities for GB dairy

For British dairy farmers, export markets are not a distant concept. They are a critical part of sustaining demand, strengthening milk price resilience and underpinning long-term profitability. Every additional tonne of cheese, powder or dairy ingredient sold overseas helps balance supply at home and reduces reliance on a single marketplace.

International demand matters and there is clear appetite for British dairy.

That was brought into sharp focus when South Cumbria farmer and AHDB Dairy Sector Council member Patrick Morris-Eyton joined our export team at Gulfood in Dubai, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade show.

One of the strongest messages from Patrick’s visit was how highly GB dairy is regarded by international buyers.

Across conversations with importers and distributors from multiple regions, British dairy was consistently described as premium, safe and trusted.

For farmers, the same assurance schemes, herd health standards and milk quality requirements that shape day-to-day management on farm are the foundations of this international trust.

The sector’s investment and professionalism are not simply meeting domestic expectations; they are strengthening Britain’s competitive edge abroad.

The size of Gulfood highlights just how competitive global food markets are. With more than 6,500 exhibitors from over 130 countries, the event showcases the full breadth of international food production.

Countries not traditionally associated with dairy exports are investing heavily in their presence and promotion.

Patrick said:

“The scale surprised me. There was a massive number of stands, products and countries that you don’t always think of as exporters there with big stands.”

Yet despite that competition, feedback from buyers suggests that demand for British dairy exists and that doors are already open. In many markets, GB dairy is seen as a reliable, high-quality option capable of meeting consumer expectations around food safety and provenance.

He said:

“The opportunities are huge, and we are at the front of the queue if we want to grasp them and grow the exports for our GB dairy farmers.”

Expanding exports is not about chasing volume for its own sake. It’s about broadening demand, improving market balance and creating greater resilience against domestic volatility.

A diverse customer base reduces risk and supports longer-term sector stability.

Trade shows such as Gulfood are intense and fast-paced. For our Export team, days are packed with pre-arranged meetings, introductions, networking events and follow-up discussions. Their role is to actively create opportunities for GB exporters.

Patrick said:

“The team is very well-respected right through the exports arena. The few days there are extremely full on and hectic.

“Every person was putting all their time and energy into building relationships for the benefit of GB dairy.”

Export growth is built on trust and consistency, often developed over multiple conversations and repeated engagement. Being visible, accessible and reliable at international events signals that GB dairy is serious about long-term partnerships.

The team’s focus remains firmly on building connections and progressing discussions that can translate into commercial returns for exporters and, ultimately, for farmers.

For levy payers, understanding how international engagement supports farmgate value is essential.

Our presence at major global shows demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting exporters, strengthening Britain’s dairy reputation and growing demand for the milk produced on UK farms.

Reflecting on the visit, Patrick believes the sector has every reason to be confident:

“The reputation of GB dairy is a huge asset. If we continue to back that quality and tell our story well, there’s no reason we can’t grow our presence in global markets.”

With sustained focus and collaboration across the supply chain, exports can play an increasingly important role in delivering long-term value for British dairy farmers.