International campaign set to promote the region’s food and drink producers

The strategy was launched at the world’s leading food and drink trade fair, Anuga, in Cologne in Germany last night as part of the Government’s ambition to raise UK exports to £1 trillion and to get 100,000 more UK companies trading in overseas markets.

The Food and Drink International Action Plan will be delivered by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

It will promote the food and drink industry, which is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector with a turnover of more than £90bn. The industry employs up to 400,000 workers, which represents 15 per cent of the overall manufacturing workforce in the UK.

But there is huge untapped potential for export among small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), with 90 per cent currently not exporting or only with close European neighbours. UKTI will now deliver a two-year programme under the Government’s existing GREAT campaign to showcase the British food and drink industry to markets in Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil and Russia as well as South Korea, China, USA and Europe.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said: “Brand Britain is recognised and revered internationally. 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 was represented at Anuga along with firms including Otley-based WharfeBank Brewery, Pipers Crisps from Brigg, Ramsden International in Grimsby and Hull-based Moordale Foods.

Food and drink specialist Stephen Noblett led a regional delegation to the event, and said: “We can be justly proud of what we offer as a region in terms of quality food and drink, and the new action plan should go a long way to helping even more local producers to take their business to the world.”

The Food and Drink International Action Plan will create a single team across the Government and industry to drive forward exports. A single UK brand identity will also be launched to promote food and drink at the world’s major food events and exhibitions.

There will be more advice on exporting to speed the pace of international growth as well as faster export certification process for animals and animal products. The plan also sets out specific support for the dairy industry, along with beer, cider, wine and spirits exports and meat and seafood industries and UK food brands.