Bonanza as food and drink exports soar
MILLIONS of people around the world will be enjoying British food, drink and TV shows this Christmas after a UK export bonanza that hit £768million.
British mince pies, vegetables and sparkling wine have been snapped up as far away as North America, Australia and Asia as part of a 21.3 per cent surge in export sales.
Department for International Trade figures show the export of Brussels sprouts has shot up 241 per cent since last year. British turkeys are also in high demand and are up 18.3 per cent. Toasts will be made with more British sparkling wine, too, after makers enjoyed bubbly sales up 14.7 per cent.
Following their meals, many families overseas are likely to settle down in front of the TV and watch top British exports such as The Crown, Midsomer Murders and Sherlock.
One food manufacturer, Premier Foods, was last night toasting the overseas success of brands such as Mr Kipling and Cadbury Cake products. The firm’s Jette Andersen said: “Our ranges have been hugely popular around the world this past year – including quintessential British treats such as our deep-filled mince pies.”
H. Forman & Son, a provider of smoked salmon, based in Stratford, east London, and TipTree, of Colchester, which exports fine Christmas puddings and Brandy Butter, have both been helped to increase sales abroad by the DIT. It recently launched a strategy designed to boost exports further still.
Last night International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said: “This Christmas I will be toasting the success of our hard-working British businesses. Last year they exported £22billion of food and drink, and I’m sure they will be enjoyed all over the world during the festive period.
“Now I’m calling for even more firms to seize the fantastic opportunities available to them globally.”