UK food and drink exports have achieved record levels for the first half of 2018 at £10.6 billion, aided by a slight rise in exports of fresh produce.
According to trade statistics from HMRC, in the first half of 2018 food and drink exports grew 4 per cent over the same period last year. The government emphasised market opportunities outside the EU, such as the USA, China and Hong Kong, as drivers of growth. Meat was the most popular commodity.
According to Defra, traditional barbeque products, such as sausages and cuts of beef have increased by 48 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.
This is partly attributable to new meat export markets opening in recent years. British beef got a further boost from China lifting their BSE ban, which is estimated to generate £250 million in the first five years.