Weak sterling sends food exports soaring

BOOMING demand for whisky, salmon and beer around the world has helped UK food and drink exports reach a record high.

Around £10.2bn worth of UK food and drink was exported during the first half of the year – the highest first-half export value on record. the biggest market was Ireland, followed by France and the US. Exports to South Korea grew 77pc, fuelled by a growing taste there for British beer.

the fall in the pound after last year’s Brexit vote has helped make British goods more competitive – but is also pushing up costs. Salmon exports grew the most – 24pc by volume – bringing in £407.9m. Whisky was the most valuable export at £1.8bn, although by volume exports dropped 1pc. Beer was the third most valuable export at £313.3m, although by volume dropped 2.2pc. Stronger growth (9pc) was reported to EU countries than outside the EU (7.6pc). But the Chinese market grew 35.3pc to £274.3m.