British chilli exports to Pakistan is being touted as one success story from the government’s food and drink exports drive, which claims to have opened almost three new global markets every week since 2010.
The news comes as ministers urged any producers considering export opportunities to take up marketing support and networking opportunities provided by the government.
Trade minister Lord Livingston said overseas markets are “still hungry” for UK food products, and stressed that any companies hoping to export should get in contact with United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI).
“We can provide expert help on where to target your product, how to market it and make introductions to buyers,” he said.
The government said it has “smashed” targets to help over 2,500 firms export to food companies worldwide since launching the UK Food and Drink International Action Plan in October 2013 – and claims to have exceeded its original target of 1,000 firms by October 2015, raising £300 million for the UK economy.
The announcement that more British food and drink firms are exporting than ever before was made by environment secretary, Liz Truss, at the Sial trade fair in Paris this week.
“There’s no doubt we’re world leading when it comes to our food and drink - selling chillies to Pakistan, ice to Sweden and wine to France,” said Truss.
“We’ve had huge success – smashing our target– and helping a record number of British food and drinks companies sell their delicious produce abroad, building a stronger economy for the UK.”
“I want to see more people buying British. That’s why I have come to France to fly the flag for British food, encourage more trade and demonstrate to international companies how attractive it is to invest in the UK,” she added.
