The total value of UK food and drink exports exceeded £20bn for the first time last year, with products shipped overseas to as many as 217 international markets.
The figures come from British manufacturing body EEF’s latest export report, which was carried out in collaboration with Santander Bank.
According to the report, UK-produced food and drink products are growing increasingly popular all over the globe – with demand up strongly in Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.
Despite the recent political uncertainties associated with the UK’s eventual departure from the European Union (EU), Europe remains the most popular export destination for British food and drink products, the report reveals.
Europe currently receives 60 per cent of all such exports – and demand for British food and drink has soared by 85 per cent over the past 20 years, the report says.
It adds that British food and drink exports to Asia have risen by 115 per cent over the last ten years, while exports to the Americas have increased by 154 per cent in comparison.
Alcoholic beverages produced in the UK appear to be particularly popular – with exports of UK whisky alone accounting for £4bn worth of all exports in 2016.