Strong growth in exports of value added food products (+3.7%) was counterbalanced by sharp falls in some of the UK's largest commodity categories, such as cereals (-27.9%). Last year's poor UK harvest impacted heavily on the supply of grain available for export – in Q4 alone, the value of cereal exports fell by £160m (compared to Q4 2011).
Further contraction in exports to the EU27 (-1.4%) was again counterbalanced by continued growth to non-EU markets, up by 4.6%.
Despite staying at 2011 levels, food and drink exports remain resilient compared to exports from other UK industry sectors, which fell by 4.5% overall.
Categories showing growth were:
• Chocolate: +19.3% to £524m
• Sweet Biscuits: +2.7% to £279m
• Sauces & Condiments: +8.9% to £227m
• Cakes: +7.9% to £200m
• Coffee: +9.7% to £148m
The top performing markets were:
• Saudi Arabia: +35.2% to £118m
• United Arab Emirates: +24.9% to £153m
• Sweden: +16.5% to £198m
• Australia: +12.6% to £114m
• China: +11% to £110m
FDF's Economic and Commercial Services Director, Steve Barnes, commented: “Despite a very tough trading year, food and drink exports remain resilient. Last year's poor UK harvest and the continued contraction of key EU markets have both had a significant impact on overall performance."
“Nevertheless, food and drink manufacturers have continued to make strong in-roads abroad, travelling further afield to drive sales of great British made products. At a time when other sectors are struggling to find demand overseas, this achievement should be applauded and encouraged.”
