Meat and dairy businesses urged to seize on growing export opportunities
22nd June 2023
With global consumption of both meat and dairy products expected to grow further over the next year, the AHDB is calling businesses to build on the successes already achieved and make the most of the export opportunities ahead.
Forecasts for the year ahead have revealed an expected growth of 1.8% for global meat consumption and 2.53% for fresh dairy consumption, meaning it’s a good time for UK food exporters to ramp up business.
Following UK red meat exports hitting record levels in 2022 with a value of £1.7 billion and the dairy sector following close behind, AHDB chair Nicholas Saphir said it is imperative businesses build on this success.
Speaking at the AHDB Export Conference at Butchers’ Hall in London, he remarked: “Our exporters and colleagues in Government should be congratulated on the fabulous job done in driving export growth for UK agri-food which is reflected in the figures from 2022 that speak for themselves.
“It is, however, imperative to maintain the momentum and build on this success. With the anticipated growth in global meat and dairy consumption, now is a pivotal moment for more UK exporters to seize on the export opportunities presented.”
Mr Saphir welcomed the government’s pledge at the recent Farm to Fork summit to boost the UK food sector by expanding its programme of global trade shows and missions, provide £1.6 million funding to the GREAT food and drink campaign and support the dairy sector’s export ambitions.
The event also provided a platform for AHDB to unveil its new Beyond Borders strategy, aimed at delivering enhanced services to help more exporters maximise the global potential for high-quality domestic produce.
Beyond Borders sets out plans to encourage more businesses to develop their export potential with the help of enhanced AHDB services including bespoke training and advice and industry-leading marketing support.
This will include providing tools, information and advice and practical assistance on exporting, connecting UK businesses to overseas buyers and growing the reputation of our levy payer products.
Mr Saphir said: “A sustained collaborative effort between industry and Government, underpinned with AHDB’s support including market and consumer insight, is key to helping our exporters build on the successes already achieved.
“Our strategic approach set out in Beyond Borders is very much aimed at helping our levy payers succeed in this and to encourage more businesses to look at exporting. Not only will it help levy payers improve overall returns, but it will also support the UK Government’s wider ambition to become a ‘Great Trading Nation’.
Mr Saphir added AHDB is looking forward to working collaboratively with the government to deliver enhanced support services and help exporters realise their ambitions.
