Brexit fails to impact appetite of international markets as sales of UK food and drink hit £20bn

Global sales for the UK’s food and drink products have hit the £20bn mark for the first time ever, Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom will announce Today (Tuesday 21st February).

Export sales grew by almost 10% in 2016, with food and drink sales to the USA rising by 12%. The export value of pork from the UK to China also increased by more than 70% to £43m.

In addition, newer markets saw record growth last year as well, with exports to Malaysia growing by 143%, while India emerged as one of the UK’s priority markets due to the increase in demand for Scotch whisky.

These figures show that UK export sales show no sign of slowing following the decision to leave the EU, and come as the Environment Secretary vows to increase focus on international trade.

With only one in five food producers currently exporting, a dedicated Government team will now ensure UK companies have the skills, knowledge and confidence to trade in international markets.

Speaking ahead of the NFU Conference today, Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “It’s great to see the global appetite for British food and drink continues to grow – thanks to our well-established reputation for taste, quality and high animal health and welfare standards.

“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.”

As well as opening up new markets around the globe, the Government will continue its focus on taking advantage of European markets. Exports of salmon to France have grown by 31% and all food and drink exports to Germany are up 12%.

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 establishing stronger links with key markets including USA and Canada, China and India to generate an extra £2.9bn in exports over the next five years.

Food and Drink Federation Director General Ian Wright CBE added: “Exports of food and drink reached record levels last year and we’re committed to building on this success going forward.

“We’ll continue to work closely with Government to help existing and new food and drink exporters take advantage of the growing international demand for our produce.”