Thirst for Yorkshire food and drink exports increase to £1.17bn
Yorkshire’s food and drink exports increased by 4.6% to £1.17bn in the year to September 2018, according to the latest HMRC figures show.
Coffee, tea cocoa and spices were the region’s most popular food and drink export, totalling £201m, an increase of 4.65% on the same period last year..
Another food and drink category showing significant export growth over this period was sugar, which grew 31% to £63m. Dairy and hens’ eggs also experienced a 15% rise in exports to £81m.
One of the markets showing the most growth for Yorkshire food and drink exports during the period was Singapore, where the value of local exports increased by 31% when compared to the previous 12 months.
Mark Robson, head of UK Regions – Yorkshire and Humber, at the Department for International Trade, said: “Selling tea to China is just one of many triumphs by ambitious Yorkshire firms trading food and drink around the world.
“Many companies we work with tell us how revered British produce is overseas, with importers often requesting that the Union Jack is featured on packaging. There’s hundreds of opportunities out there, and we encourage all food and drink firms to put exporting on business plans for 2019.”
Food Minister David Rutley added: “British food and drink is increasingly being recognised the world over for its high-quality and delicious taste.
“These latest figures also underline the growing global popularity of the diverse range of specialist produce from our regions with a rich food heritage.
“I look forward to hearing more success stories as we continue to explore new export opportunities to ensure our incredible produce is on the menu for millions more people worldwide.”
