British food producers are set to benefit from new export opportunities valued at nearly £100 million, following extensive work by the UK’s network of 16 agri-food attachés. Since January, these attachés have successfully removed 41 trade barriers and opened key global markets for British products. Major achievements include reopening pork exports worth up to £80 million to China, gaining access to Vietnam’s live seafood market valued at £4 million annually, unlocking £35 million in yearly dairy exports to Egypt, and securing a £3.8 million annual pork trade with Mexico.
The attaché programme has significantly expanded the global footprint of the UK’s food and drink industry, which remains the country’s largest manufacturing sector, contributing £37 billion to the economy and employing nearly 500,000 people. Previous successes include gaining market access for British beetroot exports to the United States in 2024 for the first time. The initiative forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at driving economic growth, boosting food security, and creating opportunities for communities across the UK.
Minister for Food Security Dame Angela Eagle praised the attachés’ efforts, stating that every trade barrier removed opens new doors for British producers to sell their high-quality goods abroad. She highlighted that British food and drink products, ranging from beef to baked goods, are in high demand globally, and government-industry collaboration is key to helping producers grow and strengthen the economy.
The attachés, stationed in major markets around the world, are currently returning to the UK to meet producers and exporters. Their visit aims to deepen engagement with businesses, identify challenges to trade, and explore new opportunities for British products. Through these interactions, attachés gain insights into industry needs and can better advocate for UK producers abroad.
Jonathan Eckley, International Trade Development Director at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), emphasized the importance of having diverse markets for British red meat and dairy products. He noted that continued collaboration between government, industry, and the attaché network is producing tangible export results and supporting long-term market development.
The attachés’ work continues to deliver significant benefits across all UK nations by promoting the quality, safety, and standards of British food. Their efforts help expand market access for top UK agri-food exports such as whisky, chocolate, salmon, animal feed, and cereals—demonstrating the global appeal and strength of British produce across multiple sectors.
