UK dairy exports hit record high to EU, says AHDB

Exports of dairy and red meat from the UK topped £4 billion (€4.6bn) last year, with record values set for both sectors as the global appetite for world-class produce continues to grow. Latest figures from HMRC revealed the total value of UK dairy exports in 2025 was £2.2 billion, up 16.6% on the year, while UK red meat exports, including offal, reached £2 billion, which is an increase of 12% on 2024.

The importance of the EU was highlighted, with shipments to markets in the trade bloc accounting for 73.9% of the total value of UK dairy exports and 81% of red meat exports.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) International Trade Development team, delivered a programme of activity in 2025 to promote exports of British dairy and red meat. The dairy sector team, supported by its in-market overseas representatives, delivered 28 events from San Diego to Singapore in 2025, including seven retail promotions and eight marketing events, marking its busiest year to date.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB international trade development director, says, “The latest full-year figures for 2025 are a remarkable success story, underlining demand for our world-class dairy and red meat produce in a wide portfolio of markets. Underpinning our work is the consumer and market insight from our market intelligence team, helping us shape and deliver a programme of promotional activity on the ground to support our export businesses. This will continue to play a key role as we look to build on the achievement of 2025.”

Lucy Randolph, AHDB head of international trade development (dairy), states, “The increase in export values is especially validating, with our enhanced on the ground presence in key target markets and wider programme of activity. We look forward to continuing this momentum in 2026 with our largest ever presence at Food and Hotel Asia (FHA) in Singapore in April and driving demand for British dairy from parlours in the UK to plates overseas.

“Exports are critical to the UK dairy industry by providing a long-term outlet for surplus production. They play a huge role in helping to strengthen demand, build price resilience and support long-term profitability. Every extra tonne of cheese, yogurt or other dairy product sold overseas helps balance supply at home.”

Eckley adds, “International trade development is one of the cornerstones of AHDB’s activity and the success of 2025 illustrates just how important export trade is for our levy payers.” Further details can be found in the AHDB analysis Prospects for UK agri-food exports.