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UK food and drink exports boosted by whisky and gin

Whisky and gin bolstered UK food and drink exports in 2018, when total shipments for the sector increased by 2.5%.

Whisky remained by far the UK’s most significant export in terms of value in 2018

According to figures released by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), food and drink exports from the UK hit £22.6 billion (US$29.9bn) last year, a “slower growth” compared to the 9.7% rise reported in 2017.

During 2018, slower growth was recorded in both exports to EU markets (+4.3%) and non-EU markets (-0.3%). Although there has been a fall in exports to the UK’s non-EU trading partners, three of the top 20 non-EU markets have shown double-digit growth rates (China, Australia, and Singapore).

Seven of the top 20 markets for UK food and drink exports saw a fall in value, including the US and France, which fell by 2.2% and 3.4% respectively.

Whisky remained by far the UK’s most significant export in terms of value, increasing sales by 7.7% to £4.8bn (US$6.3bn) and increasing by 3% in volume. Chocolate is the second most exported UK product, while cheese is the third.

Gin exports from the UK grew 15% by value to £614.4m (US$813.2m) and increased in volume by 11.6%.

Exports of beer fell 7% by value to £48.2m (US$63.8m), while wine increased by 9.8% in value to £630.4m (US$834.4m).

Brexit is a concern for food and drink exporters, the FDF noted. According to its recent confidence survey, 30% of members expressed concern over decreased export profitability, highlighting the pressure that businesses are under across all parts of their business.

Ian Wright CBE, chief executive of the FDF, said: “In defiance of the uncertainty caused by UK exit from the EU, UK food and drink exports continued to grow through 2018.

“It is still unclear what this week will hold for our resilient industry, but regardless, we are working with government to negotiate a Food and Drink Sector Deal to support those companies that are or want to export our high-quality products around the world.”

Table courtesy of the FDF

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