Food Exports Key to UK Growth Says Trade Minister

Speaking at Tuesday's (17 April) Food and Drink Federation President's Dinner, Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint highlighted how food and drink exports have boomed over recent years and that there is now a 'warm welcome' for British products across the world.

20 April 2012 --- If the rest of UK manufacturing were as vibrant and innovative, with such strong growth in exports as the food and drink industry, then our economy would be in far better shape according to Trade Minister Lord Green.

Speaking at Tuesday's (17 April) Food and Drink Federation President's Dinner, Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint highlighted how food and drink exports have boomed over recent years and that there is now a 'warm welcome' for British products across the world.

Highlighting big brands that export as well as small and medium-sized firms that are finding growth through exports, Lord Green explained to the audience of nearly 300 food and drink representatives how UKTI is working with Defra and the industry to gain access to overseas markets through trade shows and ensuring that finance is made available to firms to secure sales and fulfil orders.

Lord Green's speech followed praise for the industry from Health Secretary Andrew Lansley for its participation in the Public Health Responsibility Deal. Opening the event, the Secretary of State paid tribute to the FDF's involvement in creating pledges to eliminate trans fats and reduce salt and calories, clearly setting out that the approach is achieving more and more quickly by voluntary action than would be achieved by costly intrusive regulation.

FDF President Jim Moseley said: “Earlier this year I was delighted to announce a 7th year of increased exports, a crucial ingredient in delivering our vision of 20% growth by 2020. But when I launched the 2020 vision, I was also clear that this was not growth at any cost with FDF's work to improve public health forming an integral part. I was therefore delighted that FDF members were able to hear from both the Trade and Investment Minister and the Secretary of State for Health.”