Investment in tourism and food service in the Middle East could help fuel medium and long-term export growth opportunities for British dairy exports.

According to dairy export experts at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), exporters could reap the rewards of exploring the appetite for British produce in the region, driven by a strengthening retail sector and a growing food service sector as the region invests in its tourism industry.

The views coincided with AHDB's first dairy export mission to the Middle East. The visit to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait from October 25 to October 30 was co-funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as part of the UK Dairy Export Programme.

A delegation of British dairy export businesses joined AHDB to meet with more than 20 retail and food service buyers to explore new opportunities and partnerships. The mission also featured DBT market briefings and networking receptions featuring the best of British dairy, from cheddars and speciality chesses to organic yoghurt, halloumi and infant formula.

Previous analysis in AHDB's Prospects for UK agri-food exports has highlighted significant opportunities for the UK dairy sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The analysis revealed the MENA region is expected to be the second largest importer of food by 2031.

Adil Khan, AHDB Dairy representative in the Middle East, said: "This initiative marks an exciting step forward in strengthening the UK's trade ties with the Middle East, showcasing the quality, innovation, and diversity of British dairy.

"Increased tourism in Saudi Arabia, for example, has helped fuel opportunities in the food service sector, while opportunities also exist in retail with the rapid expansion of e-commerce providing a new shopping experience for consumers and presenting strong opportunities for UK Dairy, particularly for cheese, butter and infant formula. Trade missions like this play a key role in connecting our exporters with potential customers. Our aim is to help exporters of quality British dairy achieve the potential their products have in the region."

Further details about export opportunities for British dairy can be found in the AHDB analysis Prospects for UK agri-food exports.