Huge Export Win to China For UK Food Producers
A new export deal with China will bring a £200 million boost to the UK food industry and support 1,500 jobs. Taking advantage of the growing demand for UK and drink in China, seven new businesses in England and Northern Ireland have secured access to export pork – including three producers who, in a first for the UK, will export pig trotters.
These new agreements will support around 1,500 jobs across the country and come after it was revealed that UK food and drink exports reached £10 billion for the first half of 2017.
Food Minister George Eustice says: “China is a hugely important market for our world-class food industry and by opening up access even further, more UK businesses can take advantage of the growing appetite for our food and drink. British food is produced to the very best standards of welfare, quality and safety and this growth in exports to China is creating more jobs and opportunities for our premium pork producers who can guarantee quality from farm to fork. Demand for our food and drink is growing in China, with the total value of exports rising by a third to £438 million in 2016.”
In particular, demand for UK pork has doubled in terms of value over the last three years. Nine producers already export to China and generated £43 million last year.
The new agreements include approval to export from five sites in Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, County Antrim and County Tyrone – meaning Northern Ireland will take advantage of this export success story for the first time.
The agreement with China comes hot on the heels of an announcement that a £34 million deal has been agreed to export UK beef to the Philippines.
The UK Government is committed to driving exports for UK produce. Defra’s Food is GREAT campaign plays a key role in this, driving the demand for UK produce around the world and increasing positive public perception of the UK’s food and drink. China is one of the key markets in the International Action Plan for Food and Drink, which will see Government and industry working together to boost food and drink exports over the next five years.
