Dale Farm drives growing Northern Irish success in China

Dale Farm, Northern Ireland's biggest dairy co-operative, is driving the UK region's growing business links with China.

Statistics show that the export of dairy products from Northern Ireland has increased by 30 per cent this year including 3,918 tons of butter, cheese and milk powder. In 2013, the figure was 3,613 tons.

Northern Irish milk is also exported to the Republic of Ireland and is likely to be used there to create products for export to China.

Dale Farm Dairies in Belfast has seen growing business in China including for cheddar particularly to customers in Hong Kong in recent years. The company has been a longstanding supplier whey protein powder to China.

Other Northern Irish companies, such as Greenfields supply dairy products particularly powder from local manufacturers such as Fane Valley Dairies, to customers in China.

Government departments, led by the Department of Agricultural and Rural Development, and trade bodies including Invest Northern Ireland have targeted China as a growth market. Invest NI organises regular trade missions and attendance a major shows in key Chinese centres including Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

In addition, Northern Ireland Executive ministers have been developing business links with the Chinese government.

Other Northern Irish food companies such as White's Oats, the region's porridge processor, Just Live and Little, a granola producer and Antrim Hills Spring Water