The first quarter of 2018 saw a 5.5 per cent growth in food and drink exports from the UK. That’s according to data released by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
Total UK food and drink exports for the first three months of the year hit £5.2 billion, with exports to EU markets outpacing those to the rest of the world by seven per cent.
At £981 million, Ireland remained the largest market for UK food exports, followed by France at £518.8 million. Eight out of the top ten products enjoyed growth, with only salmon and beer experiencing a drop.
Continuing its upward climb, whisky was once again the top export, the sales of which grew 6.5 per cent to £955 million.
Although the countries within the EU remain the top destinations for UK food exports, Japan is also proving to be a solid market. Exports have grown over the past 10 years, rising by five per cent in 2017 alone.
The figures were published following a trade mission to Singapore, which was arranged to build relationships and gain access to a market said to be worth £4.6 billion.
Speaking to online portal Food Manufacture, Elsa Fairbanks, the director of the Food & Drinks Exports Association, said: “We are greatly encouraged that 2018 has got off to such a strong start across a wide range of countries – both established markets within the EU and emerging markets in Asia.
“It is a testament to the investment and effort that UK food and drink exporting companies are putting into international sales. Hopefully this will encourage more businesses to research new opportunities outside the UK.”