Global spotlight shines on UK dairy as international buyers enjoy the cream of the crop

UK dairy has taken centre stage, with more than 40 international buyers and 60 British and Northern Irish businesses taking part in a major event aimed at boosting exports worldwide.

Buyers from Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, Europe and North Africa headed to the UK for the Government’s Dairy Showcase, delivered in partnership with AHDB, with cross-industry support.

The week-long series of events showcased the very best of the UK dairy sector, building overseas buyers’ understanding of the high standards of British farms and dairy production such as cheese, butter, yogurt, cream, milk powders and infant formula.

We ran tours to dairy farms and processors in Somerset, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Lancashire for delegates to gain first-hand experience of the farm-to-fork story of British dairy produce.

The week culminated with a Department for Business and Trade (DBT)-led Meet the Buyer event and gala reception in Hertfordshire which provided a platform for buyers to meet export businesses, with more than 320 business meetings taking place.

The dairy showcase was developed in consultation with the Dairy Export Taskforce and industry as part of a programme that helps to progress the export capability of UK businesses and champions high-quality UK dairy products on the global stage.

The taskforce represents industry and is supported by industry bodies such as AHDB, the NFU and Dairy UK, as well as government departments DBT and Defra.

Exports Minister Gareth Thomas said:

“The UK dairy industry is among the best in the world, exporting £2bn of goods to over 130 countries last year.

“We are backing our dairy producers – many of whom are SMEs – so they can increase their exporting capabilities, use trade agreements to access new routes to market, and continue to thrive and grow our economy."

Farming and Food Minister Daniel Zeichner commented:

“The Government backs British produce, and it is great to see UK dairy products take centre stage at the Dairy Showcase.

“We have introduced new rules to improve fairness in the dairy supply chain and are seeking a new veterinary agreement with the European Union to tear down unnecessary barriers to trade.

"This is part of our new deal for farmers to boost food security, restore nature and support rural economic growth.”

Graham Wilkinson, AHDB CEO, said:

“AHDB, collaborating closely with industry, government and other key stakeholders, is committed to driving further export growth in the sector.

"The Dairy Showcase provided the perfect platform to highlight our world-leading products and high production standards.

“It complemented AHDB’s extensive international market development activity, including inward and outward trade missions and participation in trade shows around the world.

"The showcase will help build and strengthen relationships between our exporters and buyers from multiple markets, creating further opportunities for our dairy exports on the global stage.”