Government reveals new plan to boost UK food & drink with specialists

The government’s plan to boost the UK food and drinks sector will see it adding eight new food & drink specialists in priority markets.

As well as posts in China, the US, India, Canada and Mexico, the specialists (named attachés), will cover growth markets in the Gulf, Africa, South America and the Asia-Pacific region with plans for additional capacity and resource in Europe.

Attachés will be based in UK embassies and consulates overseas and each will have long-standing expertise in the agri-food and drink sector, the government revealed in a statement.

Secretary of state for international trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP said: “From Scottish salmon and Welsh lamb to Northern Irish beef and English sparkling wine, our food and drink is recognised at home and abroad for its great taste and high quality. Today’s announcement will showcase the very best that the UK has to offer on a global stage, boost jobs in our food and drink sector and help to level up every part of the UK. My department is supporting UK businesses on their export journey. We want businesses all over the UK to have the tools to take advantage of the ambitious trade deals we are signing with countries across the world.”

Environment secretary George Eustice added: “We want people at home and abroad to be lining up to buy British. The support announced today will enable our farmers and food and drink producers to take advantage of new opportunities and fly the flag for UK produce around the world.”

The government highlighted how the UK’s food and drink industry exports totalled £21.7 billion in 2020, including £1.8 billion worth of exports to the US and £257 million to the UAE and its plans are to help maximise its export relationships and trade opportunities further to support the industry as a whole.