With UK food and drink exports up in 2022 and optimism concerning the future performance of this vital category, there has been another step in the right direction for the industry.
The Food and Drink Export Council held its inaugural meeting in early 2023. The body, the creation of which has been pushed by many representative bodies, including the National Farmers Union of England and Wales, is charged with promoting and developing the exportation of food and drink products produced in the United Kingdom.
So how exactly will this new council work?
How the New Food and Drink Export Council Will Help Boost the Industry
The creation of the Food and Drink Export Council (FDEC) by the UK government, in partnership with industry experts and representatives from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is a significant step towards promoting and increasing UK food and drink exports.
The council aims to provide strategic oversight and coordination to help identify additional measures that will help deliver increased exports. The council is expected to focus on developing and delivering a long-term strategic plan to drive growth in agriculture, food, and drink exports.
The long-term aim of the council is to increase UK food and drink exports by 30% before 2030. By creating this collaborative body, it should become far easier to identify opportunities and ways to achieve this ambitious target.
In short, for the first time in decades (or perhaps ever), a long-term strategic plan for British food and drink exports will be developed and delivered with all relevant stakeholders involved.
Who Sits on the Council and Will It Help the Industry Grow?
The council’s membership includes representatives from Defra, DIT, each devolved administration, industry bodies, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The council will be co-chaired by DIT Minster for Exports, Andrew Bowie (MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) and an industry co-chair Ian Wright.
At Leverbrook Export, we feel the creation of the Food and Drink Export Council is undoubtedly a positive development for UK food and drink exports.
For the first time in living memory, there’s a platform for collaboration between industry experts and governments to promote exports from all parts of the UK, focusing on developing a long-term strategic plan to drive growth.
Of course, it’s far too early to say what the council will achieve, but we’re confident it will play a significant role in boosting the UK food and drink industry over the next decade.
Contact Leverbrook Export Today to Expand Your International Horizons
Whether you’re a UK food manufacturer or producer, a distillery, a brewery, or just looking to expand your business into international markets, we believe Leverbrook Export is your perfect partner.
We have connections across every inhabited continent and can help you expand your business into new territories. We can also help you, as a retailer, distributor, or importer based in another country, get your hands on some of the finest food and drink products the UK has to offer.
So, no matter the specific nature of your export/import enquiry, please don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your specific needs with a member of our friendly team. We are available by phone on +44 (0) 151 645 3517, or you can fill out our online enquiry form here.