Changing consumer habits in Singapore could help drive further growth of British dairy exports, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Westernising cultural trends are incorporating more processed dairy products into local diets, while attitudes toward dairy are generally positive as it can be seen as a symbol of modernity and affluence.

Awareness of the nutritional benefits of dairy has also been rising in recent years, while general health consciousness in Singapore is increasing. Last year (2024) UK dairy exports to Singapore were worth at £8.3 million – up 2.9% on the year. Cheese exports were worth £2.9 million – up 1.7% on the year, with cheddar exports accounting for £1.2million of this.

To help build on this, AHDB's international trade development team for dairy – joined by five dairy export businesses – is this week (April 8 to 11) taking part in FHA-Food & Beverage show in Singapore, meeting with buyers from Singapore and the wider Southeast Asia region to explore further trade opportunities.

AHDB is also hosting an evening networking reception at the Asian Civilisation Museum on the opening night of the show with key importers and distributors that the team met last November during a fact-finding mission to the country.

Rachael Speed, AHDB Senior International Trade Development Manager (Dairy), said: "Singapore is a developed, affluent market that we have been working in with our exporters for several years to maximise opportunities for our world class dairy produce created by these emerging trends. Coupled with Singapore acting as a hub for tourists stopping over on journeys, it is a very high-value market for our dairy exporters."

Karen Liao, AHDB's representative in the region, said: "The FHA-Food & Beverage show attracts visitors from the wider region so gives us an opportunity to catch up with buyers from countries including Thailand and Philippines. I have had many conversations with these buyers and distributors in recent months, and they recognise the premium quality of British dairy even if they don't currently carry it in their range. There are great opportunities for our dairy exporters in the region who we will continue to support to ensure their products reach as many consumers as possible."