Global sales of UK food and drink reach record high

For the first half of 2018, exports of UK food and drink have reached a record level of £10.6 billion – an increase of 4 per cent from last year.

UK goods weighing 6.7 million tonnes were sent abroad, with the US, China and Hong Kong being amongst the top importers of British food and drink. The total exports included 400,000 tonnes of vegetables, 64 million litres of ice cream and 16 million bars of chocolate.

With businesses selling their products to over 200 global markets, UK food and drink has shown a clear global desire for British taste, along with the high quality and standards met in the UK.

Seasonal favourites in the UK such as ice cream and strawberries also seem to be in high demand worldwide, with over 500 tonnes of strawberries being exported out of the country. Traditional barbecue products, such as sausages and beef cuts have risen by 48 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. This may be due to new markets opening for British meat exports – with China lifting the ban on British beef, estimated to generate £250 million in the first five years.

Iconic British smoked salmon, shown to be worth £308 million, is also being exported to foreign countries.

George Eustice, Food Minister 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.”

Yee Kwan is a Sheffield based ice cream business, using East Asian flavours and currently exporting to 10 European countries. They expect to have orders to supply to China next year. The founder of the company, Yee Kwan said: “After we’d realised the potential to sell our products overseas, we began working with government advisers, who supported us in exhibiting at the International Food & Drink Event in London.

“We’ve found that there’s loads of support to help us navigate exporting challenges – if we can do it, so can you!”