UK food and drink exports are continuing to smash records, with new figures revealing exports reached £10.6 billion in the first six months of 2018.
Demonstrating a clear global desire for British taste, quality and high standards, UK food and drink businesses are now selling their products to over 200 global markets.
British seasonal favourites are also in demand abroad – in the first half of the year 64 million litres of ice cream and over 500 tonnes of strawberries were shipped to foreign shores.
Traditional barbeque produce, such as sausages and cuts of beef have risen by 48% and 17% respectively. This is due in part to new meat export markets opening in recent years – and will be bolstered further in the future by the recent announcement that China will lift their BSE ban on British beef. Taiwan will also soon be importing UK pork for the first time – worth an estimated £50 million over five years to the UK’s industry.
Smoked salmon – worth £308 million – is also being snapped up from international supermarket shelves.
Food Minister George Eustice said: “Consumers across the globe know British produce is delicious. They also know it is high in quality and backed by high standards of animal welfare. This is why we are continuing to see a huge growth in the worldwide demand for the best of what British farmers and food producers have to offer.
“This world-leading industry already boosts our economy by over £110 billion each year, and leaving the EU will give our food and drink producers an unparalleled opportunity to tap into more markets and take advantage of the UK’s position as a truly global nation.”
A team of Government trade experts are said to be on hand to provide guidance to UK businesses as they enter into overseas markets for the first time or consider expanding their current global customer base.
Somerset-based ice cream firm, Granny Gothards, is reported to have benefited from Government guidance and has gone on to export to Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and now China.
Founder Amanda Stansfield said: “After the success of our ice creams in Dubai it seems an ideal time to now establish our brand in China. Seeking expert advice is key for any business looking to export produce to China. The support from government trade advisers has been vital in navigating this process.”
