Red meat has taken centre stage at the world’s biggest food and drink showcase after UK exports hit a combined value of £2 billion in the first half of 2025.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and export businesses from the red meat and dairy sectors have this week (4th to 8th October) been flying the flag for quality beef, lamb, pork and dairy on the global stage at Anuga in Cologne to build on the success achieved from January to June.
Anuga is this year’s largest food and beverage trade show, providing a platform for businesses to network and to gain insights into global industry developments. AHDB has been joined by 14 red meat export businesses at the event and has also been supporting 13 dairy export businesses to connect with existing buyers and meet new potential customers to help ensure UK beef, lamb, pork and dairy “continue to thrive on the global stage”.
More than 250 delegates were also due to join AHDB for its British Red Meat Dinner on the evening of 6th October. The annual dinner coincides with Anuga, providing guests with the chance to sample dishes featuring UK red meat and dairy.
Jonathan Eckley, AHDB international trade development director, said: “Anuga provides the stage for us to shine the spotlight on our quality beef, lamb, pork and dairy produce to a global audience and build on the success of 2024 and the first half of 2025.
“Our export trade plays a major role in supporting our levy payers. Central to driving continued export success and adding value for our red meat sectors is connecting with people and ensuring we have a broad portfolio of markets to balance the carcase and maximise opportunities for our products around the world.
“Supporting our export businesses at major events like Anuga is a critical part of our strategic approach to helping drive UK exports, underpinned by consumer and market insight from our Market Intelligence team. Our red meat pavilion has been incredibly busy, generating an enormous amount of positive feedback from visitors which is very encouraging.
“The value of red meat and dairy exports demonstrates the effectiveness of the collaborative approach between AHDB, industry and Government to international trade development. We will continue our work to cement the UK’s reputation as supplier of high-quality red meat, variety meat and dairy produce in the global market.”
