Chinese Export Boost for British Dairy Industry

Owen Paterson, the UK environment secretary, led a delegation of 45 British firms to the country to meet local companies, associations and retailers.

Other EU countries are restricted by milk quotas until 2015, giving Britain an opportunity to increase dairy exports to the nation.

The increased interest in cheese and dairy in China is thought to have been generated by young professionals who have studied abroad and are familiar with Western foods.

Mr Paterson said, “From chocolate to Cheddar, China’s population is getting a taste for dairy, and Britain’s world-class food industry can supply that demand. China’s dairy consumption is increasing because of changing lifestyles and diet, and there is a window of opportunity while domestic production cannot meet this demand.”

Elsa Fairbanks, director of the Food and Drink Exporters Association, added, “The dairy industry is a new but growing market. I have been stunned by how much dairy there is in Shanghai compared with 12 months ago – there are now coffee houses, ice cream parlours and frozen yoghurt bars.”