Exports of food to the USA generated £525m in total sales in 2013, up 7pc on the previous year, while China has grown 82pc to become the UK’s second-largest export market, representing £201m in revenue.
According to new research from the Food and Drink Federation, the total export revenue to non-EU markets increased by 11.5pc last year. Sales to the EU rose just 3pc.
However, the EU still accounts for 75pc of total UK exports.
Ireland is the largest overall market for UK food exports, worth £3.2bn last year. Export sales to Ireland grew 7pc in 2013, mostly driven by a £90m increase in sales of milk, sauces, chocolate, ice cream and cheese.