UK wine exports were worth £270 million in the first six months of 2017, which represents a 21% year-on-year growth, according to data from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
Overall, exports grew by 8.5%, to £10.2 billion, during this period. The country's top exported products were whisky, salmon and beer, with wine coming in sixth place.
“The figures demonstrate that wine is a key export product for the UK, providing a significant contribution to British food and drink," said Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA). "We currently export more wine than beef or pork, and, at current trends, we are set to overtake chocolate before long."
Brexit Concerns
WSTA figures show that wine exports to the EU were worth £189 million in 2016 alone, and this year looks set to increase further, following positive growth in the first six months. However, the association previously warned that a strong deal is needed to keep the European wine trade flowing after Brexit.
“The release of a customs paper earlier this week, detailing the government’s intent to pursue an interim agreement whilst continuing negotiations with the EU over a free-trade deal, is sensible," said Beale. "Uninterrupted trade with the EU is essential if we want to protect and increase our wine exports."
“Our industry also needs urgent clarity over the UK’s continued access to terms agreed under existing EU trade deals and wine agreements with third countries after March 2019, particularly wine agreements with Australia and the USA – two key wine markets for the UK – as well as continuing to pursue a fast and comprehensive trade deal with the EU."
“The sooner businesses have this sort of clarity, the easier a transition to a post-EU trading environment will be, when there also need to be new bilateral trade deals, of which British drinks can take advantage."
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
