South West food and drink companies set for export success
Dozens of food and drink producers from the South West will take part in a UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) trade mission this week at ANUGA, the World’s biggest food industry event, which takes place in Cologne, Germany.
Companies from the South West, including Uffculme-based Willie's Cacao, Luscombe Drinks from South Devon, Proper Cornish Pasties from Bodmin and Somerdale Cheeses from Wellington will meet a range of buyers and suppliers, and visit a number of local food and drink producers.
UKTI International Trade Adviser, Andrew Fraser, who is leading the South West delegation at ANUGA, said:
“Food and drink is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector with a turnover of over £90bn. The South West has some of the UK’s best food and drink producers, yet with only 10% of them currently exporting there is huge untapped potential for many others to grow their business overseas.
“In the current economic climate exports can offer significant growth potential. In the last two years, export sales grew by 15%, compared to total food and drink sales growth of only 3%. Food and Drink Federation data shows that for businesses that do proactively expand into new markets, exports account for at least 20% of turnover, compared to an average of only 5% or less for those that exported reactively.
“There has never been a better time to export British food products. The UK’s reputation in producing quality, innovative, safe products is known across the globe and as a consequence, UK food and drink exports have grown by 61% over the last five years.”
UKTI started working with The Blue Seafood Company based in Paignton several years ago, at a point when their overseas trading was limited. Since then, UKTI has helped the company to benefit from European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding, and enabled them to open up new export markets for a range of fresh crab and crabmeat products. Now, exports make up nearly half of the company’s turnover.
Commenting on the company’s export success, Sales Director David Markham said:
“We have really benefitted from the help and support we have received from UKTI and would recommend any business thinking of selling abroad to make use of their services. With the right support and market intelligence, exporting is never scary and is always a lot of fun, but you do need to market the right product. Devon crab is healthy, sustainable and above all delicious.”
ANUGA coincides with the launch of a new plan to increase the number of UK food and drink products sold internationally and deliver a £500 million boost to the UK economy.
The Food and Drink International Action Plan has been devised jointly between Government and Industry after six months of consultation and will assist up to 1,000 UK food and drink companies up until October 2015 as well as delivering half a billion pounds of value to the UK economy. It is part of the Government’s overall ambition to raise UK exports to £1 trillion and to get 100,000 more UK companies exporting.
Launching the plan at ANUGA, Environment Secretary Owen Patterson said:
“There are huge opportunities for British food companies to export all over the world and I’m determined to help our firms exploit them. We’re helping 1000 British firms to increase their international profile and boost the UK economy by £500m through the Food and Drink Exports Action Plan.”
Lord Green, Trade and Investment Minister said:
“The UK food and drink industry benefits from a productive and skilled workforce and a culture of innovation that continues to drive new product development. It is this along with assurances of authenticity, safety and a robust regulatory system that paves the way for huge possibilities within the sector.
“Products such as Scotch whisky and Cheddar cheese have long been favourites with the global consumer and with changes in tastes and lifestyles, the opportunities for the sector are vast. The new Action Plan looks to tap into these opportunities, and pledges support for those who want to embrace growth and export abroad.”
The Food and Drink International Action Plan will include:
- Creation of One Team across Government and industry to drive forward action on exports and to steer priorities.
- A single strong UK brand identity to help increase the visibility of UK food and drink at the world’s major food events and exhibitions.
- Well-publicised and focussed campaigns on the largest opportunities for the UK sector matched to its strengths.
- More support and advice on exporting – with simple access points for UK firms – to speed the pace of international growth for UK firms.
- Faster export certification process for animals and animal products.
- Continued work to lift trade barriers, promote trade and maintain access to open markets already opened.
The plan also sets out specific support for the dairy industry, beer, cider, wine and spirits exports, the meat and seafood industries and UK food brands.
Food and Drink companies wanting to find out more about exporting abroad should visit www.ukti.gov.uk/export/sectors/fooddrink or to get in contact with someone at UKTI visit www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/contactus
