UK food exports 'eye record high'

Beef exports have risen by a third

A growing taste for British food among Eastern European nations means exports of UK food and drink are on track for a record high in 2008, a report suggests.

Figures from Food From Britain show that in the first six months of the year food exports rose by 15.5% compared with the same period in 2007.

It says the weak pound and new food ranges means exports could exceed £13bn for the first time over the year.

Alcohol and meat sales were among the driving force in increased sales.

'Source of innovation'

Chris Brockman, from Food From Britain said the UK industry was also a leader in items like chilled convenience foods, ethnic foods, and fast-growing emerging sectors such as smoothies, snacks and convenience foods.

"We do have a very strong reputation as a source of innovation," he said.

"We introduce more food and drink products to this country every year than any other country in Europe."

INCREASES IN IMPORTS OF UK FOODS Poland: 53% Russia: 19.9% Hungary: 58.2% Czech Republic: 45.5% Netherlands: 35% Ireland: 12.4% France: 18.6% Source: Food From Britain

Two years ago food exports exceeded £10bn for the first time since the BSE restrictions were put in place. They then reached £11.5bn in 2007.

As well as soaring sales in many countries, exports to the US also showed growth of 2.9% in the first six months of this year after a poor performance last year.

Alcohol once again is the UK's biggest export, up 17.5% year-on-year. There was a 32.3% increase in beef exports and lamb exports grew by 23.6%.

'Record breaking'

Mr Brockman said: "The UK economy is fragile at the moment. Although this has a negative impact in many commercial areas it will have a beneficial effect on the food and drink export market.

"The combination of sustained positive growth in existing markets, significant export interest from emerging markets and a weakening pound means that growth rates will continue to be unprecedented, breaking all records for years to come."

Food From Britain works with UK food and drink manufacturers to find new markets overseas.

It is the market development consultancy commissioned by the government to increase exports of UK food and drink.