Mission to build on record year for British dairy exports

The dairy sector has turned to the growing appetite for British produce in Asia to help build on last year’s record export values.

Total UK dairy exports were worth £2.2 billion in 2025 – up 16.6% on the year, following our comprehensive programme of activity in 2025 to promote international trade development.

Building on this, we recently spearheaded a drive to develop further opportunities in Asia, which in 2025 accounted for £152 million of UK dairy exports, an increase of 14.2% on 2024.

We were joined by eight businesses on our biggest ever stand at FHA Singapore to promote world-class British cheese, butter and ice cream.

Events like this put British dairy directly in front of key buyers and decision makers in target export markets, moving British dairy from parlours in the UK to plates overseas.

The four-day event also attracted buyers from Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Hong Kong, who had the chance to taste produce being showcased and learn about how British farmers work hard to produce fantastic dairy products.

Following hot on the heels of FHA Singapore was an AHDB-led mission to Malaysia for six companies, which included around 60 meetings with buyers, updates on import protocols and visits to retailers.

Lucy Randolph, AHDB Head of International Trade Development, said:

“It was a phenomenal week of activity for AHDB Dairy, with FHA Singapore creating a real buzz of interest in our world-class produce and the mission to Malaysia highlighting further opportunities for our exporters.

“The global appetite for our dairy exports was clearly demonstrated by last year’s figures, and it’s critical that we maintain a wide range of markets as we look to build on that success. Markets in Asia are an important part of that portfolio, reflected in our biggest ever presence at FHA and our targeted mission to Malaysia led by our in-market representative Karen Liao.

“It was great to see the commitment of our dairy businesses to exporting, and AHDB will continue to support them with resources to ensure British dairy takes pride of place in markets around the world.”

The latest activity in Asia forms part of our programme of work to support the growth of dairy and red meat exports. This includes coordinating inward and outward trade missions, participation in major trade shows and work to help secure and maintain market access.

This month (May), attention will switch to Europe when we take part in Tuttofood in Milan, which will bring together exporters and buyers from around the world.

Lucy added:

“Tuttofood will give us another platform to showcase British dairy to Europe, our biggest market and one which is of huge importance to the British dairy industry. We look forward to continuing supporting our dairy businesses on the global stage.”