Written by Rachel Martin
More diners across the world will be tucking into British produce than ever before at Christmas, with global sales of British turkey, Brussel sprouts and other festive favourites hitting record levels.
A total of 64 countries (17 more than previous years), have imported British turkeys this Christmas.
Meanwhile, global demand for the UK’s Brussel sprouts has increased by almost 40%. This festive staple is proving particularly popular in the Netherlands, which makes up 73% of the £1.5 million market.
Root veg also saw a lift – worldwide demand for British carrots and turnips has increased by 52%.
Meanwhile, 109 countries around the world will be tucking into British cheese on Christmas Day, with the Republic of Ireland forking out £116 million and exports up by 21%.
Outside of Europe, cheese exports to China are growing annually by 19%, while the US is the top non-EU destination for UK cheese exports with the market valued at £50 million.
Worldwide British Christmas menu in numbers
The market for British turkey is estimated at £35 million, with 64 countries importing British turkey (an increase of 17 markets), with Germany spending £6.7 million.
British potato exports have increased by 10%, with a value of £58 million (40 markets);
British hazelnuts have an export value of £4.1 million, with Poland consuming 59% of this at £2.4 million;
British beer has an export value of £489 million, with 113 consumer countries and US expenditure of £106 million;
Over the past year, total exports of UK food and drink reached a record £22.5 billion.
The UK’s highest-grossing export continues to be whisky, dominating the market at £4.8 billion – with Scotch Whisky exports to China growing from £10 million in the early noughties to £77 million. This is followed by chocolate (£713 million), and cheese (£675 million).
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said: “As we leave the EU, we want people, both at home and abroad, to be lining up to buy British, and it is fantastic to see quintessentially British fare on Christmas tables the world over.
International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss added: “The UK is home to world-renowned quality produce and it’s great to see British businesses already taking advantage of increasing global demand during the festive period.”
Over the past year, total exports of UK food and drink reached a record £22.5 billion. As part of the government’s ongoing Food is GREAT campaign, the Government and British industry are aiming to boost British trade in food and drink exports to £23 billion in 2020.
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