March 28, 2012

China raises UK food imports

Chinese diners are pushing UK exports to a record level.

Meat and dairy products, seafood, chocolate and biscuits from the UK are on the menu in China as Westernstyle diets become more popular. Exports of food and non-alcoholic drinks rose 11% to GBP12.1billion (US$19.31 billion) last year, according to the Food and Drink Federation.

China entered the top 20 export destinations for the first time after a 55% increase in sales. Among those targeting China is Westaway Sausages, based in Newton Abbot, Devon, which sells its honey roast sausages through 300 shops in China.

British food sales to the US rose by 25% but the EU remains the biggest market, accounting for 77% of sales.

The fastest-growing sectors were fish fillets, beef, milk and cream, and lamb, while chocolate exports grew by 16%.