According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), consumer trends could help drive growth of British red meat exports to Canada.
This comes as AHDB travelled to SIAL Canada in Montreal to fly the flag for British red meat. The show brought together industry professionals from Canada and the rest of the world and highlighted emerging trends and opportunities for exporters.
AHDB said the show provided a platform for the trade body, along with five export businesses, to showcase British beef, sheep meat and pig meat. They also held butchery and cookery demonstrations, aiming to spotlight British produce.
Susana Morris, AHDB senior trade development manager, said the show looked at how evolving consumer trends in the Canadian market presented further opportunities for red meat exports: “Canada is a strong market outside of the EU to focus on after an incredibly positive 2025 and we’ve made an encouraging start to 2026.
“The value of UK beef exports to Canada in the first two months of this year, for example, is up 2.6% on the year and worth £3.5 million. Pig meat exports to Canada for the same period have also increased 3.7% to nearly £759,000 which is also very encouraging.
“SIAL gave us not only the opportunity to showcase our world-class red meat but also provided further insight into what Canadian consumers are looking for. We are seeing clear trends in Canada towards high-protein, nutrient-dense products, alongside growing interest in simple, recognisable ingredients. British red meat is well placed to respond to these dynamics, offering both quality and strong nutritional value.”
“Our ongoing work in international trade development plays a key role in adding value throughout the supply chain.”
Susana Morris, AHDB
AHDB found that last year, the value of UK red meat exports, including offal, reached £2 billion – an increase of 12% on 2024. It followed a comprehensive programme of activity delivered by AHDB to promote red meat and dairy exports on the global stage. This included inward and outward trade missions, participation in major trade shows and work to help secure and maintain access in key markets around the world.
SIAL Canada forms part of AHDB’s programme of activity for the year ahead, which will include the return of the Red Meat Export Conference and an inward mission for Japanese buyers in June and a major presence at SIAL Paris in October.
Morris added: “Canada forms part of a broad portfolio of markets for British red meat and our ongoing work in international trade development plays a key role in adding value throughout the supply chain.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to work with other industry stakeholders to help ensure our beef, sheep meat and pig meat exports continue to thrive on the global stage in 2026 and beyond.”
