North America Opens Doors for UK Red Meat

UK meat exports look west

The UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) says North America could become an important growth market for British red meat and dairy products.

New research from the organisation shows that people in the United States and Canada eat more red meat than the world average. This means there is space for extra supply from other countries, including the UK.

AHDB believes even small changes in eating habits could create real business opportunities for British farmers and exporters.

Why demand matters

AHDB’s analysis highlights several key points:

• United States and Canada
  Red meat consumption is already high and remains stable. If sheep meat consumption in the US grows by just 1% over the next ten years, it could lead to noticeable demand for imports.

• Mexico
  Meat consumption is expected to rise, especially for pork and beef. This could give UK exporters another market outside Europe.

Together, these countries offer a way for UK producers to sell more products and reduce reliance on one single market.

Trade deals and premium products

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB’s director for international trade development, said export plans are based on market data. This data helps decide where to run trade missions, meet buyers and attend global food events.

He also pointed to the UK–US Economic Prosperity Deal, which allows up to 13,000 tonnes of British beef to enter the US without tariffs. This makes UK beef more competitive in a high-value market.

AHDB also believes that some US shoppers care about where food comes from and how it is made. This could help UK products with strong identities, such as traditional cheeses like Stilton and Cheddar.

Pressure on UK meat supply

While export prospects are improving, meat supply in the UK is getting tighter.

Recent figures show:

• Supermarket beef prices rose 3.2% in June 2025

• Overall red meat and chicken prices increased 1.8% in one month

• Lean beef mince saw the biggest jump, rising by over 9%

These price rises are linked to lower production.

Falling beef production

UK beef output has been below last year’s levels throughout 2025.

Key trends include:

• Beef production in June fell to 70,000 tonnes, down from May

• Total output for the first half of the year dropped by 4% compared with 2024

• Fewer cattle were sent for slaughter, and carcase weights were lighter

AHDB said dairy farmers are keeping cows for longer because milk prices are good and feed costs are relatively low. This has reduced the number of animals entering the beef supply chain.

Looking ahead

AHDB believes exporting to North America could help balance the challenges at home. By selling to a wider range of countries, UK farmers may reduce risk while building long-term demand for high-quality red meat and dairy.

The message from the levy body is clear: while domestic supply is tight, new opportunities abroad could help support the future of the UK livestock sector.

Source: https://www.foodbusinessmea.com/ahdb-flags-north-america-as-growth-market-for-uk-red-meat-exports/