£1m to promote seafood exports around the world

A£1 million package to boost seafood exports and promote the industry’s high-quality produce overseas was yesterday announced by the Government.

The investment, which should help to rebuild export markets for South West fish and shellfish, some of which have been affected by Brexit, is likely to target what ministers believe are growing overseas opportunities outside of Europe.

Global exports of UK seafood amounted to over £1.6 billion in 2021, with salmon the UK’s fourth top food and drink product exported in 2021, totalling around £730 million.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the Seafood Exports package will:

■ Identify new overseas buyers and connect them with UK seafood companies.

■ Promote UK seafood at international events.

■ Increase expertise on British seafood produce in our Embassies and Consulates overseas.

Seafood specialists funded by the package will work with existing agrifood and drink attachés who help broaden market access for UK businesses and resolve any technical barriers preventing businesses from reaching global markets.

Defra believes the specialists will bring “vital insight” to help address industry-specific challenges and offer a more tailored approach to promoting seafood in new and existing markets.

Fisheries Minister, Victoria Prentis, said: “We exported £1.6 billion worth of UK seafood in 2021 and we want this to increase. We are unlocking export opportunities in new markets around the world, and the £1 million we are announcing today will help seafood businesses across the UK take advantage of them.”

Minister for Export, Mike Freer, said: “This funding will provide a real boost to businesses, particularly SMEs. It’s a genuine step change for current exporters, as well as those looking to access new seafood markets for the first time.

“These new funds will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in the sector and enable more countries than ever to enjoy Great British seafood.”

The UK Government is committed to working with businesses to help them succeed in the global marketplace through a first-class export support framework that will support jobs and economic growth across the UK.

This includes recently co-hosting a UK Seafood Pavilion at the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, providing an opportunity for some UK businesses to exhibit at the show for the first time, as well as bolstering support for businesses with an already established presence at the show.

Hannah Thompson, Head of International Trade and UK Regions (West) at Seafish, said: “The seafood sector in the UK has had a tough couple of years with the pandemic and some of the challenges of leaving the EU.

“It was a pleasure to support seafood businesses to get back in front of their global customers at the world’s biggest seafood trade show in Barcelona last month.

“The UK pavilion was a huge success and this new funding will give the sector another boost to help it showcase the high quality and sustainable seafood that comes from our passionate seafood producers in the UK.”