According to analysis by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the total value of UK dairy exports in the first half of 2025 increased 20% on the same period last year.
AHDB said that “strong” demand from Europe had helped export values reach £1.1 billion.
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, said AHDB.
Dairy exports to the US, Asia and the Middle East reportedly 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 shipments to countries in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) rose by 28% to £46 million.
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).”
“Our aim is to unlock the success of British agriculture and help ensure our world-class dairy produce thrives on the global stage.”
Willis 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.”
Liao commented: “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.”
“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,” added Khan. “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.
Randolph continued: “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.”
