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Exports

There is no better time than now for food and drink manufacturers to focus on growing exports.

The eyes of the world are firmly on the UK following the Olympic and Paralympic games. With opportunities in many EU and non-EU markets and strong demand from emerging economies the image of UK food and drink is that of exceptional high quality, safe food. By exporting UK food and drink manufacturers:

• Achieve higher levels of growth (between 2008 and 2011 exports of food and non-alcoholic drink grew by 31% compared to domestic sales growth of only 8%)
• Become more productive and innovative by producing products for different customer/consumer bases.
• Hedge risk in the UK market and are therefore more resilient through the downturn.

If you don't believe us then take a look at some of the success stories of our members. Below is some useful information on where to go to find export help.

• UK Export Statistics
• UKTI Services
• Open to Export

UK Export Statistics 2012

Research of the UK Food and Drink Export Performance by top sectors, top markets and regions (EU and Non-EU).

View the full statistics research report UK Food and Drink Export Performance statistics.

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UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Services

UKTI offers a number of services for food and drink businesses no matter what stage they are in their export journey. If your business is new to export we advise you contact your regional UKTI office and speak to a food and drink specialist (see below).

About UKTI

UKTI is the Government body responsible for working with businesses to boost exports and grow inward investment. FDF are working closely with the UKTI food and drink team and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to promote export opportunities and grow UK food and exports, see our Exports Brochure for more information.

UKTI Regional Trade Advisors

• The first port of call for any food and drink manufacturer new to export is to speak to a food and drink specialist International Trade Advisor (ITA) within UKTI.
• These contacts can explain all of UKTI's services and which would suit your business as well as providing on-going support and key information.
• Rob Furse, UKTI's central food and drink sector specialist can help you contact the right trade advisor within UKTI's regional network. Alternatively find the switchboard number for your regional UKTI office on the website.

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Open to Export

Open to Export is a community driven website which signposts key export information, events, opportunities and useful contacts to help grow exports. The site also hosts a forum enabling users to post export related questions and receive a response within 48 hours from service providers which include UKTI, Defra, Trade Councils and other businesses.

The site is delivered by HIBU (formerly Yell Group) in partnership with UKTI and was launched by the Prime Minister in 2011, becoming fully operational in October 2012. FDF are working closely with the Open to Export team to begin to develop food and drink specific content for the site which we will begin reviewing with our members later on this year.

A number of FDF members trialled the site in 2012 all of which provided very positive feedback, so why not register today and see what you could be missing out on.

Find out more about Open to Export

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