The Future Of Food & Drink Export
The Great British Food Unit has been established to boost UK food exports and support industry growth plans, such as increasing manufactured food exports to £6 billion by 2020.
The environment secretary, Elizabeth Truss, said “We produce more new food products each year than France and Germany combined. My long term aspiration is for the UK to match both these countries in terms of the value of exports so our food and drink becomes a worldwide phenomenon.
"From Weetabix to Yeo Valley yogurt, I want to see more of the Great British breakfast enjoyed around the world. Through the creation of the new Great British Food Unit companies large and small will now find it easier to export overseas and receive foreign investment.
“It is vital for our economic future that we make British food and farming all it can be – over the next five years we will do that by backing big business, supporting punchy start-ups and embracing our rich food heritage.”
The UK already has an international reputation for excellence and as a country for investment. The unit will support further Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into our food industry which stood at a record £60 billion in 2014.
The launch of the new unit comes as the Government announced that 2016 would be the Year of Great British Food. The launch of the new unit comes as the Government announced that 2016 would be the Year of Great British Food. It also follows last November’s launch of the first food and drink pioneers who will promote the very best in British food across the country and overseas, inspiring people everywhere to choose British.
Companies seeking to be involved in the Great British Food Unit will be offered practical support to help them innovate and identify new markets for export. They will be championed by international UKTI teams and British Embassies who will work to promote British food and drink abroad.
Trade Minister Lord Maude said:
“There is huge potential for the UK to substantially increase its exports in the food and drink sector, with the UK home to many iconic food brands. This new Unit will help UK businesses sell their high quality produce around the globe, boosting exports and helping create more jobs.”
Source www.gov.uk