Premium British dairy and red meat set for North American growth surge
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has identified significant long-term export growth opportunities for British dairy and red meat in North America, with cheese consumption in the region projected to climb by 11% by 2034.
According to the latest Prospects for UK agri-food exports analysis, British artisanal cheeses and premium red meats are ideally positioned to capture a growing appetite for high-quality, high-provenance products among American, Canadian, and Mexican consumers.
The report highlights North America as a primary target for the UK’s dairy sector. With cheese consumption expected to see double-digit growth over the next decade, British territorial staples — such as Stilton and Cheddar — are gaining traction as “premium value” products.
“The US is already the UK’s second-biggest dairy export market,” said Lucy Randolph, AHDB head of international trade development (dairy). “Our analysis underlines a strong opportunity for continued growth. Events like our recent British Cheese Night in San Diego are essential to ensuring world-class produce is showcased directly to key buyers.”
The red meat sector is also poised for expansion, supported by favourable trade conditions and high regional consumption rates. Key highlights from the AHDB analysis include:
USA beef: British exporters can now utilise the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD), allowing for 13,000 tonnes of beef to be shipped to the US tariff-free.
Sheep meat: a projected 1% growth in US lamb and mutton consumption over the next decade offers a steady opening for quality British cuts.
Mexico: projected increases in pork and beef consumption in Mexico present a developing market for UK processors looking to diversify their global portfolio.
Jonathan Eckley, AHDB international trade development director, emphasised that heritage and provenance remain the strongest selling points for British produce in these markets. “Market insight plays a crucial role in helping shape our strategy. Our updated analysis is encouraging in highlighting long-term opportunities for premium products in the region,” he stated.
To capitalise on these insights, the AHDB is intensifying its “on-the-ground” activity. A recent trade mission to San Diego saw 13 British dairy exporters connect with 130 high-level industry buyers, a move designed to solidify the UK’s foothold in the high-spend North American retail and foodservice sectors.
As global trade dynamics shift, the AHDB remains focused on providing a broad portfolio of markets for levy payers, ensuring that British “quality and story” translate into measurable export volume.
