Regional food and drink companies set for export success
FOOD and drink firms across Yorkshire and the Humber are to benefit from a new exports action plan that aims to deliver a £500m boost to the UK economy.
The Food and Drink International Action Plan will be delivered by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), as part of the Government’s overall ambition to raise UK exports to £1tn and to get 100,000 more UK companies exporting.
Food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector with a turnover of more than £90bn. The industry employs up to 400,000 workers. This represents 15% of the overall manufacturing workforce in the UK.
However, there is huge untapped potential for export among small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), with 90% currently not exporting or only with close European neighbours, according to the UKTI.
The plan was launched at Anuga, in Cologne, Germany, the world’s leading food and drink trade fair.
At the same time food was officially launched as one of the GREAT marketing campaign pillars. The GREAT campaign showcases the very best of what Britain has to offer in order to encourage the world to visit, study and do business with the UK.
Through the GREAT campaign UKTI will deliver a two year programme of activity showcasing the British food and drink industry to markets including Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Macao, China, USA and Europe.
Speaking from Anuga, environment secretary, Owen Paterson, said: “Brand Britain is recognised and revered internationally. The Food and Drink Exports Action Plan and the launch of ‘Food is GREAT’ are important, as they will give quality British produce an even higher profile, boost our economy and create jobs.
“There are huge opportunities for British food companies to export all over the world and I’m determined to help our firms exploit them.”
UKTI Yorkshire and the Humber is represented at Anuga, as are companies like Otley-based WharfeBank Brewery, Brigg-based Pipers Crisps, Grimsby-based Ramsden International and Hull-based Moordale Foods.
