Fall in food and drink exports exposes urgent need for business support
In the third quarter of 2020 alone, exports fell by 11.6% to £5.5bn when compared to the same period in 2019, as both exports to EU (-9.3%) and non-EU markets (-14.8%) declined.
Food and farming contributes £120 billion to the UK economy annually and supports 4.3 million jobs right across the country. One of its success stories is exports, with UK agri-food and drink sales overseas reaching nearly £24 billion in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted growth this year due to the closure of hospitality and travel sectors, which has meant a loss of sales into restaurants, cafés, bars and the out-of-home sector across the world.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, food and drink exports was one of the great success stories for the UK and was a great way to highlight the strength of our industry over the last few years. Research shows that exporting businesses generate higher revenues, are more profitable and productive, and contribute more to the economy. At FDF, we highlight importance of exporting as well as the export success of our members to the media, stakeholders and government through our regular export statistical reports and member case studies. Some of our members' success stories can be found below.
FDF also works with Government and other stakeholders to improve the provision of specialist support to help more food and drink manufacturers to export. As part of this, FDF has developed proposals to transform the sector's growth potential through a new government-industry partnership on the delivery of specialist export support.
Below includes useful information on:
- Key steps to export success and where to go to find support;
- Case studies showcasing businesses across the UK that are successfully making in-roads abroad;
- Our regular export snapshots which highlight top markets and products and can help members with their export plans as well as identifying target markets;
- The latest regional export statistics highlighting growth across the UK.
Resources
Export statistics
The FDF publishes quarterly export statistical reports, outlining the latest UK food and drink export figures. As the sector focuses on growing exports, the FDF showcases the success of our industry via case studies.
Regional analysis
To highlight the geographical spread of the industry, the FDF produces regional analysis of key economic indicators including: the sector’s economic contribution in each region, how many people we employ, average wages and trade statistics.
Updates & milestones
FDF Exporter of the Year Award
UpdateThis award category is for companies that are entering new markets, creating targeted products or growing sales in established markets. It is open to manufacturers but also to intermediary companies. The judges will look at achievement and ambition relative to the size of the company, not just the largest sales figures!
Enter in the FDF Awards – Exporter of the Year category before 28 February 2021, for your chance to win. It’s completely free to enter!
Five steps to exports success
UpdateFood and drink exports are a UK success story. Reaching nearly £24 billion in 2019, they have grown every year since 2015. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted our industry and UK food and drink exports fell by 13% in the first nine months of 2020. As we reach the end of the EU Exit transition period, exporters will face further challenges.
To support businesses with this double challenge, the FDF, Food and Drink Exporters Association (FDEA) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) have today produced an export guide.
This 5-step guide helps businesses successfully navigate the export process and signposts a range of support they can access. In the guide, key terms are explained, questions answered and support offered. It also includes an overview of useful contacts and links to webinars, events as well as trade fairs that can help businesses grow their exports.
Further information
News
H1 exports of food and drink fall for the first time since 2015
The FDF has today published a report which shows that exports of food and drink in the first half of the year fell for the first time since 2015.
Organic food exports face outright ban if equivalence is not agreed in Brexit deal, food sector warns
The FDF has circulated this release on behalf of the organic representatives, please find the press release and letter attached.
Santander UK and Food and Drink Federation Report: Untapped export potential key for food and drink industry recovery
The FDF data shows that net business confidence among food and drink manufacturers reached a record low of -65.2% in Q2.
Related case studies
Exports has been one of the UK food and drink industry's major success stories. These case studies showcase businesses across the UK that are successfully making in-roads abroad.
Case Study
Exporter of the Year 2020
The Wyke Farms brand is one of the oldest and most widely distributed cheddar brands in the UK.
Case Study
Nairn's
Nairn's know their oats. They have been baking with them since 1896. Using wholegrain oats grown in the nearby Scottish Borders, where the climate is perfect for slowly and naturally ripening the grains – the oats don't need insecticides. Nairn's aim is to make tasty, wholesome food that's as simple and natural as possible.
Case Study
Joe & Seph's - exports case study
Joe & Seph's are a family business from London with a mission to produce the best-tasting popcorn in the world, and were awarded FDF Exporter of the Year in 2016.
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Related topics
Borders and customs
The FDF ensures that its members are informed of what is required of them at the border, and represents members’ views to the Government, to ensure that the UK’s borders are as frictionless as possible.
Trade negotiations
The FDF is committed to ensuring that the sector’s priorities are at the heart of these negotiations, so that UK food and drink producers can access key markets with reduced trade barriers and tariffs.