UK food and drink exports

UK food and drink exports

The UK food and drink market experienced a drop in sales of 7 per cent in 1998 according to figures released by Food from Britain. Although the volume of products exported rose by 7 per cent, the overall value of the market has dropped to »9.2 billion. The strength of sterling, the Asian and Russian crises and the weakening of the euro have all contributed to the tough trading conditions experienced by UK exporters over the last 12 months. Exports to non-EU markets were the worst hit, experiencing a 16 per cent reduction mainly due to the depressed economic situation in the Far East. Food and drink sales to EU countries, which account for nearly two-thirds of all UK exports, fared better. Italy, Spain and Ireland showed increases in exports of 22 per cent, 4 per cent and 1 per cent respectively. Fish exports remained buoyant showing an increase of 11 per cent, sugar was up by 2 per cent and breakfast cereals by 11 per cent. Other value-added products also showed an increase, including beer (12 per cent), sauces (14 per cent), cheese (15 per cent), instant coffee (4 per cent), ice cream (3 per cent) and fresh whole poultry (11 per cent).