For the first time since the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) Business Confidence survey was launched in 2010, food and drink business leaders have reported positive levels of optimism for consecutive quarters.

Despite continuing uncertainty in the UK economy, food and drink manufacturers’ business optimism has remained high in 2012, with 48 per cent of survey respondents reporting growth compared to the previous quarter. Expectations are that domestic sales will strengthen further throughout the remainder of the year too.

Meanwhile, in overseas markets, there remains strong interest in UK food and drink exports, with a third of respondents reporting growth.

“It is really encouraging to see optimism among our survey respondents so far this year,” says FDF’s economic and commercial services director Steve Barnes. “Holding your nerve in this economic environment is by no means easy and is a great credit to our members in difficult times.

“Looking ahead, we expect to see both our domestic and overseas sales increase as we head towards Christmas. Our commitment to grow our industry by 20 per cent by 2020 is ambitious and we remain confident that we will achieve this goal.”