23 April 2007, 15:09 PM
  • New figures revealed by market development consultancy, Food From Britain (FFB), show British food and drink exports have never been so healthy at £10.5 billion, in 2006.

    It exceeds the previous record of £10.1 billion set more than ten years ago, in 1996, prior to BSE export restrictions.

“As British beef finally returns to overseas menus, we have seen our food and drink exports reach an all time high,” says David McNair, chief executive for FFB. “This heralds the end of a difficult decade, but one which we emerge from stronger, with a solid and more diverse platform for further growth.”

FFB explains this good performance by the widening portfolio of products available from Britain and which appeals to overseas retailers for branded and private label ranges, as well as growing foodservice opportunities.

With an increase of 7.2% last year, exports to the European Union continue to experience a strong growth and account for £6.9 billion – 68.8% of all exports. Ireland remains the UK’s number one market, up 8.9% to £1.99 billion, with France second for a market worth £1.37 billion, which grew by 11.1%.

The integration of new EU countries has given positive results. Imports of UK products are up 13% in the Czech Republic, 26% in Poland, 49% in Hungary and as much as 214% in Estonia.

Outside the EU, the United Stated and Canada are the biggest markets for UK products, respectively worth £901.3 million and £166.5 million. Disappointing growth in Asia Pacific was offset by a strong performance from China and Singapore.

Meat and drinks were the best performers. The total drink market finished the year at £3.74 billion – whisky accounting for £2.5 billion of all drink sales. Exports of meat rose by 4% and are now worth £764.6 million.

Mr McNair concludes, “2006 has been a record year for UK food and drink exporters – nine out of ten markets have shown considerable growth and new emerging markets, such as China, Russia and Dubai, have continued to expand at a good pace. All the signs look promising for a positive future of our food and drink exports.”