UK's food and drink export market hits £11 billion mark

Last year, the UK's export beat the 2006 record by 9.1%, bringing the export figures to £11.45 billion. All major product categories recorded positive results during the year, with the exception of soft drink exports, which decreased by 12.7% to £15.141 million. Poultry meat represents the largest UK export sector valued at £200.4 million, meanwhile beef continues to perform well, experiencing a 36% value growth in 2007. Chris Brockman, research and consultancy manager at Food from Britain, explained: "The outbreak of Foot and Mouth in 2007 slowed the growth of a recovering meat industry but the impact on the food and drink export performance as a whole was negligible." He continued: "I am optimistic that the high levels of innovation and efficiency that UK food and drink manufacturers continue to display, coupled with the growing reputation of UK food and drink worldwide, will help curb the difficulties of a slowing economy and the impact of rising global food costs, and we should experience an ongoing increase in UK exports." Other results found that the UK total exports of fish and seafood amounted to £1,003.6 million in 2007, up by 5.2% from last year. Figures fro cereals and bakery exports went up by 10.2% to £1,361.7 million, while international sales of UK confectionary products also rose to £444.3 million. Tea and coffee exports also climbed 3.5% to £178.9 million in 2007. Meanwhile Ireland continues to be the leading export market and with UK imports totalling £2.242 billion, and with 12.4% growth in 2007, the country is set to continue as the leading export market. Weblink: www.foodfrombritain.com