DENMARK – A survey by the Danish Dairy Board (DDB) shows that dairy exports reached their highest value ever in 2002.

The news comes despite a slump in butter and milk powder prices at the beginning of 2002.

Danish butter in particular performed a dramatic turn around on the world markets after that early disaster, with overall exports 18% up on 2001 by December. The biggest growth came from countries outside the EU where sales of Danish butter rose by 23%.

DDB sources this week said that the main reason for the large increase in third country sales was much more interest from Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries. However, it is not expected that the war in Iraq will make any great difference in sales as main customers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates look like remaining constant buyers, with a steadily increasing demand for dairy products.