British dairy has taken the spotlight, with over 40 international buyers and 60 UK businesses participating in a significant event designed to boost exports.

Buyers from regions including Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa travelled to the UK for the Dairy Showcase, which highlighted the best of British dairy products.

The sector exported £2b worth of goods to more than 130 countries last year, with hopes to expand even further.

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This week-long event which seeks to enrich overseas buyers’ knowledge of the high standards in British farming and dairy production, showcasing products such as cheese, butter, yogurt, cream, milk powders, and infant formula.

Delegates were also given the opportunity to tour farms and processors in key dairy-producing counties like Somerset, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, and Lancashire, gaining firsthand experience of British dairy.

The Dairy Showcase was organised by the government in collaboration with the Dairy Export Taskforce, which includes industry bodies such as the NFU, Dairy UK, and AHDB.

The week concluded with a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event and gala reception in Hertfordshire, led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This provided an opportunity for buyers to connect with exporters, enabling over 320 business meetings.

Exports minister Gareth Thomas expressed support for the industry, noting that the new Labour government is ‘backing our dairy producers’, many of which are small businesses.

He added that these producers can "increase their exporting capabilities, use trade agreements to access new routes to markets, and continue to thrive and grow our economy."

Farming minister Daniel Zeichner also praised the event, saying: “The government backs British produce and it is great to see UK dairy products take centre stage at the Dairy Showcase.

“We have introduced new rules to improve fairness in the dairy supply chain and are seeking a new veterinary agreement with the European Union to tear down unnecessary barriers to trade.

"This is part of our new deal for farmers to boost food security, restore nature and support rural economic growth.”