The announcement comes as demand for most dairy categories in China grew by more than 20 per cent. The UK has secured a multi-million-pound deal which will allow it to…

The announcement comes as demand for most dairy categories in China grew by more than 20 per cent.

The UK has secured a multi-million-pound deal which will allow it to import its dairy products made with milk from third countries into China.

Estimated to be worth £240 million over five years, the agreement gives UK producers increased flexibility in sourcing the dairy they use in their products.

UK international trade secretary Liam Fox has signed the agreement with China’s General Administration of Customs.

The announcement comes as demand for most dairy categories in China grew by more than 20 per cent, according to the UK government. Last year, the UK exported over £96 million of dairy products to China.

A study published last year by Euromonitor International predicted that China will overtake the US as the world’s largest dairy market by 2022, with drinking yogurt being a key growth driver.