Export demand drives £1.1bn boost for UK red meat

British red meat exporters are seeking to capitalise on rising overseas demand, with UK export sales reaching £1.1bn in the first half of 2026.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) are promoting British beef, lamb and pork at Sial Paris (17-21 October), one of the world’s largest food trade exhibitions.

See also: Beef prices to remain supported in 2027 as herd contracts

UK red meat export values increased 15% year-on-year during the first six months of 2026, while volumes rose 8% to almost 293,000t.

Beef export values climbed 23% to £450m, while sheepmeat exports increased 15% to £401m, largely driven by European demand.

Thirteen businesses joined AHDB at the exhibition to strengthen existing trade relationships and secure new customers.

AHDB international trade development director Jonathan Eckley said maintaining access to diverse export markets was essential to maximise carcass utilisation and returns to producers.

“Increasing export demand helps create long-term value for our levy payers and supports the resilience and competitiveness of British farming,” he said.

Welsh and Scottish exports

HCC is promoting PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef alongside Welsh exporters, holding meetings with international buyers and cooking demonstrations for retailers and foodservice businesses.

Welsh cabinet minister for rural resilience and sustainability Llyr Gruffydd attended an HCC reception on Monday (19 October).

© Hybu Cig Cymru

“Growing exports is an important part of strengthening the Welsh economy, and events like this help Welsh businesses build new partnerships and access opportunities in overseas markets,” he said.

Meanwhile, QMS is showcasing Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork, supporting established exporters and wholesalers seeking to enter overseas markets.

The organisation is targeting premium buyers, emphasising Scottish red meat’s provenance, animal welfare and sustainability credentials.

Scottish agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “The work that QMS undertakes to promote our red meat sector and connect Scottish businesses with international markets is vital in helping the industry grow.”

Food security

Defra farming minister Stephen Morgan also visited the AHDB pavilion before joining G7 agriculture discussions in Paris, focused on food system resilience, fertiliser supplies and soil health.

© AHDB

“It is clear shocks around the world can quickly hit our farms, our food supply and people’s pockets,” he said.

He highlighted £65m in government funding to help farmers prepare for extreme weather and measures to strengthen food supply resilience.

Sial Paris attracts around 300,000 food industry professionals from more than 130 countries.