The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the levy board which represents farmers, growers and others in the supply chain in the UK, has been hosting buyers from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and Mexico.
The AHDB has identified Asia as a key growth region for dairy exports, reflected in total UK dairy shipments to Asia and Oceania in the first half of this 2026 being worth £79 million.
It said that Mexico also presents a “significant” emerging opportunity following the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The CPTPP has improved market access for British dairy products, with the first consignment of cheese shipped there this month.
The AHDB said it is working on its export growth programme to identify market opportunities, build commercial relationships and support the growth of British dairy exports around the world.
This latest programme included visits to dairy production facilities and two dedicated ‘Meet the Buyer’ events in Manchester and London.
“It’s great to see the first product shipped to Mexico under CPTPP, and we hope this mission keeps the momentum high and results in more British product shipped to this emerging market. Helping access international markets is a key part of AHDB’s work to support the profitability and resilience of the sector,” said Lucy Randolph, AHDB Head of International Trade Development.
“There is no substitute for seeing our industry up close. Giving these buyers the opportunity to visit production facilities, meet processors and experience our products first-hand helps build confidence in British dairy and strengthens the foundations for future trade. Ultimately, that supports demand throughout the supply chain, delivering value back to dairy levy payers.”
Dan Rush, International Sales Director of Shropshire-based cheesemakers Belton Farm, said: “Exports are an enormous part of our business, and we’ve been delighted to take part in this inward mission which enables British dairy to get in front of decision-makers and demonstrate what our sector can offer. Britain has an incredibly varied dairy industry which we should be shouting about from the rooftops, and that’s what AHDB is helping us do”
He added that Belton Farm is supplied by 65 farms all from the local area within about a 20-mile radius.
“One of the things we love to talk to them about is the export trade, and they love the idea that the milk they produce is transformed into cheese which finds its way to the other side of the world. It makes them proud and we are proud to work with them. It’s great to be able to talk about these positives when it’s such a challenging environment for farmers in general,” he added.