Export figures static but show ‘industry resilience’

British-FoodFigures released this week reveal that total UK food and non-alcoholic drink exports remained at £12.1 billion (€14bn) last year – in line with the 2011 figure

Strong growth in exports of value added food products (+3.7 per cent) was counterbalanced by sharp falls in some of the UK’s largest commodity categories, such as cereals (-27.9 per cent), according to the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) figures.

Contraction in exports to the EU (-1.4 per cent) was, however, counterbalanced by continued growth to non-EU markets, which was up by 4.6 per cent.

“Despite a very tough trading year, food and drink exports remain resilient,” says  FDF’s economic and commercial services director Steve Barnes. “Last year’s poor UK harvest and the continued contraction of key EU markets have both had a significant impact on overall performance.

“Nevertheless, food and drink manufacturers have continued to make strong in-roads abroad, travelling further afield to drive sales of great British made products. At a time when other sectors are struggling to find demand overseas, this achievement should be applauded and encouraged.”

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