British dairy businesses on trade mission to China

A group of British dairy businesses visited Shanghai to promote UK dairy produce in a bid to capture a bigger share of China’s £39bn specialist food import market.

Companies from across the country showcased their products in an effort to drive exports and strengthen the UK’s reputation for producing safe, high-quality dairy produce.

The businesses ranged from family-operated cream producer Rodda’s, to cheese exporter Somerdale International and luxury ice-cream maker Jersey Dairy.

See also: How to get your farm products into China

They attended the FHC trade show in the hope they would be able to capitalise on China’s growing interest in dairy products.

Business representatives joined Defra minister Liz Truss, who was in China for trade talks about exporting British dairy products to the country.

Ms Truss said the Chinese market presented a fantastic opportunity for UK dairy farmers.

British food and drink exports to China had doubled to £280m since 2010, with dairy products one of the fastest-growing areas, she said.

“Exports are a crucial part of growing and strengthening the dairy industry,” said Ms Truss.

“A key part of our plan is to see new markets opened, so that the sector can become more resilient, competitive and profitable,” she added.

“The UK already has a commercial agri-food counsellor in the UK’s embassy in Beijing to sell British produce and significant export growth has already been achieved.

“However, I am determined to see exports rise even more.”