UK Food Producers Promised Export Help

British food producers are being promised more help to export their goods to lucrative overseas markets such as India and China.

A wide range of measures including a one-stop shop with easy access for support and advice has been promised by agriculture minister Jim Paice.

The Government-backed drive will seek to cut bureaucracy and red tape and promote British goods abroad in key markets.

Food and drink are the country's top exports but even though exports in the sector were worth £16.1bn in 2010, food imports in the same year totalled £33.7bn.

It is feared that the UK is losing ground not only to its European neighbours but to developing economies from around the world.

According to a table complied by the World Trade Organisation and Eurostat, the UK lies in 17th place behind countries such as Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. The table is topped by the US, Brazil and Germany.

The UK exports more food to Belgium than it does to Brazil, Russia, India, China and Mexico put together.

The Farming, Food and Drink Exports Action Plan sets out how government and industry will work together to open up and take advantage of key markets.

Mr Paice said: "British food is already known the world over for its quality, and with surging world population growth and demand for western products, there are huge opportunities for our producers to tap into emerging markets.

"I'm convinced the sector can become an engine for growth for our economic recovery. It's crucial we get the right support to business at home as well as championing British products abroad."

The exports plan was developed by Defra , UK Trade and Investment, industry trade associations and top exporting companies. A forum was co-chaired by Mr Paice and Paul Grimwood, CEO and chairman of Nestle UK and Ireland.

Trade and investment minister Lord Green said: "This is the year of the Olympics - a once in a generation opportunity to showcase what makes Britain great.

"The quality of our food and drink is famous around the world and we want to see many more SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) exporting to high growth markets.

"Food and drink exports are already worth over £16bn a year. But we can do much, much more. By working together, government and industry can help British food producers unlock their potential and take on the world."

Mr Grimwood said: "The UK food and drink industry has an ambitious vision to grow 20% by 2020. The industry's exports have grown in each of the last six years, and the Exports Action Plan will drive further export growth in the future.

"Thousands of UK food companies, large and small, can grow their business by exploring export opportunities.

"The Government-backed Export Plan will champion open markets and the removal of trade barriers, and provide SMEs with the support and confidence they need to sell the best of British food and drink around the world."