Caroline Spelman, secretary of state for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), told the Oxford Farming Conference yesterday (January 5) that she planned to ask the Foreign Office for help to promote UK food and drink exports.
Presenting a paper entitled Big chances for a small island, Spelman praised the example of German embassies, which played an active role in promoting their country’s exports – particularly in emerging nations.
“German embassies in emerging countries provide what is known as a bird table for companies to go in to try prospecting for exports,” said Spelman. This is particularly useful in developing exports to complex, but high-potential, nations such as China, she added.
“I’ve put this idea to the Foreign Office and I’d like to see it replicated. There’s no question that the Foreign Office would like to help but … [we need] … to reduce the barriers.”
Exports Action Plan
Later this month, the government plans to publish an Exports Action Plan. The plan is designed to help firms promote food and drink exports by simplifying paper work.
Spelman urged food and drink manufacturers to fully exploit the strength of the British brand. “The Made-in-Britain brand is strong and we can build on our reputation for quality and standards,” she said.
After the trauma of various food scandals, China was a market ripe for development, continued Spelman. “I was in China to see the UK win a top award at Expo 2010 when the Premier Wen Jiabao shared his concern with me about food safety in China and acknowledged UK expertise in this area.”
Last month, the government department UK Trade and Investment, the Food and Drink Federation, and the Food and Drink Exporters Association teamed up to take part in a trade show in China. The event showcased the products of 20 firms, ranging from meat and dairy foodstuffs to more highly processed products.
Serious business
“The event generated over 200 serious business leads for UK companies, illustrating the demand for UK food,” said Spelman.
In addition to food and drink exports, Spelman noted a big appetite for UK food safety and traceability systems. “I’ve joked with Jeff Rooker [chair of the Food Standards Agency] that he ought to set up an outpost in China.”
Meanwhile, a recent report, Power in Agriculture, from the Scottish Agricultural Colleges predicted a decline in EU export capabilities. Spelman said: “I read this as a call to the EU farming industry to become more competitive – and grasp the many opportunities of globalisation and the need for sustainability.”
The UK’s EU food and drink exports are valued at £8.5bn.
Exports to the EU rose by 9.5% in the first nine months of last year compared with the same period of 2010.
Watch out next week for more news and views about UK food and drink manufacturing from the Oxford Farming Conference, delivered in text articles and podcasts.