UK food exports continue to grow

UK food and non-alcoholic drink exports increased to £5.8bn in the first half of 2011, up 13% year-on-year, according to the latest figures released by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

Exports to the EU rose by 12.6% to £4.4bn, with the majority of markets showing growth.

Three of the top five biggest EU markets show double-digit growth: Dutch numbers are up by 27.8%, Germany by 27.8% and Belgium by 48.5%.

Exports to non-EU regions rose by 14.8%, with US figures up by 19.1%, Asia by 18.2%, Middle East by 9.4%, Africa by 19.8% and Oceania by 12.1%.

Dairy was the best performing sector in the first half of 2011 with growth of 30.5% to £607.2m, including a 24.1% increase in cheddar exports.

Prepared foods exports went up by 14.5% to £1,424.3m, while cereals and bakery products exports grew by 3.3% to £986.9m.

Meat exports increased 18.4% to £819.5m and fish and seafood exports grew by 15% to £695.5m year-on-year.

Fruit and vegetable product exports were up 29.6% to £498.6m, while tea, coffee, cocoa and spices exports accounted for £380.3m, up marginally by 0.5%, and sugar and sugar confectionery exports rose 19.0% to £188.9m.