Strong demand from Europe helped the total value of UK dairy exports in the first half of 2025 increase 20% on the same period last year to reach £1.1billion.
The value of shipments to the Netherlands were up 15% on the year to £130 million, while dairy exports to France (up 41% on the year to £82 million), Spain (up 40% on the year to £35 million) and Germany (up 25% on the year to £32 million) were also highlights for the period.
Dairy exports to the US, Asia and the Middle East, all of which have AHDB in-market representatives, also performed well. The value of shipments to the US increased 30% on the year to £43 million while values to Asia and Oceana were up 22% at £73 million and to countries in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) rose by 28% to £46 million.
The impressive figures follow a busy six months for the AHDB International Trade Development Team for Dairy. In the first half of 2025 the team clocked up more than 130,000 km supporting a total of 36 UK companies at 14 events across the world as part of its global drive to promote world-class British dairy produce.
Supported by representatives on the ground in the US, the Middle East and Asia, AHDB has been working with industry and government to ensure British dairy has taken centre stage everywhere, from San Francisco to Singapore.
In addition to participation in international trade shows the AHDB team has also coordinated in-store promotions and dairy education events in multiple markets on behalf of dairy levy payers.
Lucy Randolph, AHDB Head of International Trade Development (Dairy), said: “We have been incredibly busy supporting our exporters to promote world-class British dairy produce around the world and the export figures for the first half of this year are very encouraging in EU and non-EU markets.
“We’ve invested more in delivering a new and enhanced comprehensive programme of activity this year, working in partnership with government and industry, and it is paying real dividends for the sector. The industry has also benefited enormously from our in-market representatives in the US, Asia and the Middle East – Victor Willis, Karen Liao and Adil Khan, roles co-funded with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).”
Victor said: “While the US is mature and fiercely competitive it is also large and full of opportunity. I’ve enjoyed working with our exporters to ensure their strong points of difference around product taste, benefits, value, heritage and craftsmanship are front and centre in conversations with buyers and consumers.”
Karen said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with industry players and exploring innovative ideas on how we can elevate British Dairy’s presence in the market. I’m very much looking forward to the upcoming events in the second half of the year.”
Adil said: “Promoting British dairy across the GCC, especially in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, has given me the opportunity to introduce high-quality products to new markets. I’m excited about upcoming retail promotions, trade missions, and Gulfood 2026, where we hope to welcome our largest contingent of British dairy suppliers ever.”
Lucy added that the team’s activity on the ground, coupled with the consumer and international market analysis from AHDB’s Market Intelligence team, helps equip exporters with insight and practical support to succeed.
She said: “Our work in the first half of 2025 has helped deliver tangible benefits for our levy payers, underlined by the six-month export figures. We need to build on that momentum and look forward to delivering more of this activity during the second half of this year including taking part in Anuga in Cologne this October, this year’s biggest trade show.
“Our aim is to unlock the success of British agriculture and help ensure our world-class dairy produce thrives on the global stage.”
