The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has appointed Susan Stewart as Head of International Trade Development for its red meat sectors.

Formerly AHDB's Senior Trade Development Manager, Ms Stewart will take up her position from 1 July 2025 and will focus on the team's work with industry and UK Government to help develop global export opportunities for AHDB levy payers for beef, lamb and pork.

In 2024, UK red meat exports were worth £1.77 billion, with international trade development a critical part of AHDB's work for livestock levy payers. This includes supporting overseas government officials, facilitating trade development in key markets, participating in trade shows and coordinating inward and outward trade missions.

Most recently, Ms Stewart played a pivotal role in delivering AHDB's biggest inward mission for the red meat sector. The mission saw 28 buyers from the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East head to the UK on a four-day visit which included visits to farms and processors in the West Country to learn more about production of world class British beef, lamb and pork. It culminated with a 'meet the buyer' event and gala dinner at Butcher's Hall in London attended by exporters and UK Government representatives.

She will also take a lead role in AHDB's presence at ANUGA – this year's biggest international trade show – in Cologne in October.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB International Trade development Director, said: "I am delighted to announce Susan's appointment as Head of International Trade Development. The export trade is very much a people business and Susan's expertise and knowledge is widely respected in the industry. Her appointment will play a crucial role in AHDB's ongoing work on behalf of levy payers, helping to ensure exports of our world-class red meat produce continues to deliver growth and value."

Susan Stewart said: "International trade and access to a wide portfolio of markets is of paramount importance to our livestock sectors. I'm looking forward to playing more of a lead role helping to ensure our beef, lamb and pork produce thrives in both existing markets and those we hope to secure future access to."

Other developments in the AHDB International Trade Development team will also see Dr Awal Fuseini's Senior Halal Sector Manager role in August becoming more focused on supporting the Halal supply chain, using his technical expertise.

Mr Eckley said: "Awal's technical skill and abilities are a major asset to our sectors and focusing his time to support the Halal supply chain will enable him to continue delivering first class services to our Halal levy payers and the flexibility to provide additional support for the sector with other stakeholder organisations."