Salmon is favourite for exports

SALMON has topped the list of UK food exports in 2014, while exports of UK dairy products are at an all-time high.

Scottish salmon topped the export tables for British food producers, with dairy exports also at a record high. Picture: Thinkstock

Speaking today at the International Food Exhibition in London, farming minister George Eustice will announce a 2.6 per cent rise in the value of food and non-alcoholic drink exports to a record £12.8 billion last year – sales have nearly doubled during the past decade, up from £6.5bn in 2004. Eustice said: “It is particularly encouraging to see UK dairy exports at a record high as our farmers seize new opportunities to export.”

The top three product categories last year were salmon, chocolate and cheese, with cheese exports up 5.6 per cent. Cheese makes up about one-third of dairy sales abroad, which climbed by 8.8 per cent to £1.4bn.

The figures, produced by the Food and Drink Federation, confirm continued growth in non-EU countries.

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