Food and drink sector ‘needs greater support to compete with EU rivals’

Latest export statistics from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) show that in the first half of 2018, UK exports of all food and drink hit £10.68bn, up 5.1 per cent on the same period in 2017.

The figures revealed that exports to EU countries (+7.3 per cent) grew at a faster rate than those to non-EU countries (+1.6 per cent).However, the FDF says UK export growth to Japan and the US is being outpaced by both Spain and Ireland, and more support is needed.

As a result, the trade association is calling on the government to provide greater support for UK food and drink manufacturers to help them compete with European rivals.

“This analysis of UK food and drink exports in the first half of this year reveals several great success stories, and a number of areas with room for growth,” says FDF director general Ian Wright. “Food and drink sales are flying the flag for the UK around the world.

However, some of our competitors are outshining us. It’s clear that focusing export support on specific product sectors can transform performance. With great uncertainty still hanging over our future trading relationship with our largest food and drink market – the EU – now is the time for the government to back UK food and drink exports with turbo-charged support.”

Adds Elsa Fairbanks, director, Food and Drink Exports Association:“We are greatly encouraged by such a positive performance for food and drink exports. The figures confirm the need for the government to ensure that the success of our exporters is not damaged by a failure to maintain the current ease of trade with our key markets in Europe after the end of March 2019.”