Global sales of the UK’s food and drink have hit the £20 billion mark for the first time, Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom will announce today.
New figures reveal exports grew by nearly 10 per cent in 2016, with food and drink sales to the USA – one of Britain’s biggest markets – up 12 per cent.
China is quickly becoming one of of the UK's fastest growing markets, with the export value of pork rising to £43 million, an increase of over 70 per cent.
Newer markets also saw record growth last year – exports to Malaysia grew by 143 per cent, while India emerged as one of our priority markets thanks to growing demand for Scotch whisky.
The figures reveal exports show no sign of slowing following the decision to leave the EU, and come as the Environment Secretary vows to ramp up the focus on international trade.
Tapping into new markets
With only one in five food producers currently exporting, a dedicated Government team has turned its attention to ensuring UK companies have the skills, knowledge and confidence to tap into new international markets and take advantage of the global demand for British food and drink.
Speaking ahead of the NFU Conference today, Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: "As we prepare to leave the EU, there has never been a better time to become more outward looking – developing new trading relationships and establishing our place as a truly Global Britain.
"But the food and drink industry cannot do this alone – we need to give them the skills, knowledge and contacts to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
"I want to see more companies taking advantage of these opportunities, which is why we’re expanding our team of trade experts to support UK businesses, encouraging them to take the leap and share their quality produce with the world."
Taking advance of European markets
As well as opening up new markets around the globe, the Government will continue its focus on taking advantage of European markets – with exports of salmon to France growing by 31 per cent and all food and drink exports to Germany up by 12 per cent.
France and Germany are among the priority markets identified in the UK International Action Plan for Food and Drink launched last October.
Through this plan, the Government is focusing on forging stronger links with key markets including USA and Canada, China and India to generate an extra £2.9 billion in exports over the next five years.
The Government’s 'Food is GREAT' campaign will continue its work to drive exports.
