The UK dairy industry is celebrating a significant milestone as it reports robust sales growth in chilled dairy products within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This achievement underscores the increasing demand for high-quality UK dairy products in the Middle Eastern market.
Over the past year, UK dairy exports to KSA have surged, driven by a growing consumer preference for premium chilled products such as cheese, yogurt, and butter. This success is a testament to the UK’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability in dairy production.
Saudi Arabia is the largest dairy consumer among the GCC countries, with high population growth and per capita helping drive increasing consumption of milk and other dairy products.
The Kingdom is also a large importer of cheese, the most valuable category in the dairy market, accounting for more than 30 per cent of total dairy spends with the total value of UK cheese exports standing at £17.2 million.
With the UK dairy industry among the best in the world, exporting £2 billion of goods to over 130 countries last year, the sector is hoping to build further, and leading the way is the Welsh dairy brand, Rachel’s Organic.
Since its introduction in the brand-new Spinneys store in Riyadh earlier this year, the renowned organic yogurt brand has quickly become one of the store’s top-selling premium imported products, reflecting the increasing demand for high-quality, sustainably produced foods in the Kingdom.
Rachel’s Organic has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Spinneys Group, first launching in the UAE 17 years ago, in May 2007. Since then, it has consistently been the No. 1 premium imported yogurt brand in the region.
This success is rooted in Rachel’s dedication to excellence, offering organic dairy products made from British milk sourced from local farms in mid and west Wales, combined with the best organic ingredients.
Anita Richards, Rachel’s Organic’s International Trade Manager said, “Over the years, we have undertaken regular market visits and face-to-face meetings with Spinneys’ buyers that have solidified our partnership, demonstrating our commitment to supporting international trade and regional retail operations.
“Rachel’s Organic, which started as a family business in 1952, has grown to be an industry leader in organic dairy, supporting local farmers and environmental sustainability. Our success in Saudi Arabia is a testament to the enduring appeal of British agricultural products and their potential for growth in international markets.”
Yamish Yakoob, Head of Retail, Food and Drink at the British Embassy added, “We are delighted to see Rachel’s Organic products resonate so strongly with consumers in Saudi Arabia. This brand not only reflects the high standards of British food production but also underscores the importance of sustainable and ethical sourcing, which is becoming increasingly valued in markets around the world.
“The Saudi market has proven to be a promising growth area for British exports, particularly in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to enhance the quality of imported products and encourage healthier, more sustainable consumer choices.”
The UK dairy industry is now poised for continued growth in KSA, with plans to work collaboratively with local partners to further enhance market penetration.
With over 7,000 dairy producers in the UK¹, UK food and drink has a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation and stands as one of the most exciting food cultures globally. Tracing ingredients back to their origins and celebrating the landscape that nurture them, from the salty air of Scotland to the rolling hills of Wales and the lush Somerset countryside, provenance matters. This meticulous care ensures that each bite resonates with authenticity and pride.
To find out more about Rachel’s Organic visit rachelsorganic.co.uk and to find out more about the GREAT Food and Drink Campaign visit www.greatbritishfoodsa.com for a wealth of resources, including recipes, cooking inspiration.