A network of 16 UK agri‑food attachés has opened up new overseas markets for British food and drink producers, valued at almost £100 million, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs announced this week.
Since January the attachés have removed 41 trade barriers, securing fresh avenues for everything from pork to dairy.
Key wins include reopening pork exports to China worth up to £80m per year, securing access to Vietnam’s seafood market, unlocking £35m in annual dairy exports to Egypt, and a pork agreement with Mexico estimated to be worth £3.8m per year.
The scheme builds on earlier successes such as the historic opening of the US market to British beetroot growers in September 2024.
The UK’s food and drink sector – the nation’s largest manufacturing industry, valued at £37bn and employing nearly half a million people – is set to benefit from the expanded market access.
The attachés, who are based in key export markets, are returning to the UK this week for a series of meetings with UK food and drink producers.
Removing trade barriers
Minister for Food Security Dame Angela Eagle said: “Every trade barrier we remove is another door opened for British farmers and food producers to sell their world-leading products.
“From our beef to our baked goods, British food and drink is highly sought after in markets worldwide and, thanks to the dedicated work of our trade attachés, we’re helping our producers grow their businesses and the economy.”
Jonathan Eckley, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) International Trade Development Director, added: “Ensuring we have a broad portfolio of markets for our world-class red meat and dairy produce is essential to maximise opportunities around the world and we will continue to work with the agri-attachés, wider government and industry to help ensure those products thrive in the global market.”
The attaché team will use their November visit to strengthen partnerships, identify further export blockers and explore demand for high‑value UK food and drink in growth markets.
Top UK agri-food exports in 2024 included luxury items such as whisky, chocolate and salmon, as well as animal feed and cereals.
In September, Glasgow Prestwick Airport opened a new £1m Scotland to China seafood export service amid growing demand. Last year, China was the third-largest market for Scottish salmon, with exports valued at £76m.
