
Britain is the home of culinary firsts. We invented the sandwich, created self-raising flour, produce the mighty cheddar cheese and gave the world its first baby food in a squeezable pouch. Today our food and drink businesses drive innovation and export growth across the country, bringing 16,000 new products to market every year.
Too often though, our historic strength and contemporary excellence in this sector goes unnoticed. The industry currently adds £21.5bn gross value to the economy – nearly equal to that of the automotive and aerospace economy combined. Yet our support for the food and drink industry often lacks the passion and patriotism associated with other sectors. Let’s change that in 2016, and put our food and drink businesses back at the top table – where each belong. British food brands have huge potential, both at home and abroad. It’s a potential that demands and deserves support and investment, from the government and private sector alike. In comparison to broader trade trends of the last decade, the success of British food and drink brands abroad has been incredible. The UK’s food and drink companies have doubled exports over the last ten years, with a 4.5 per cent increase in value-added exports in the last five.Read more on the food and drink industry:
- UK restaurant sales to surge by 50 per cent a head on bank holiday weekend
- ASK-Zizzi owner acquires dining discount clubs Tastecard and Gourmet Society
- London bakery asks for fewer requests after Lego cake goes viral
Why Richard Branson wants to sink his teeth into the UK's food and drink sector
It’s thrilling to see that three of these fantastic companies: Double Dutch Drinks, which produces innovative natural mixers; Cauli Rice which creates long-life cauliflower rice; and Harry Brompton’s ice tea, which will now be stocked in 300 Target stores. These businesses represent a bright future for this exciting sector, with 2016 set to see continued innovation throughout the industry. It is likely that we will witness a rise in luxury drink brands, including soft as well as alcoholic beverages. Cauli Rice is certain to have tapped into an emerging giant of this industry, in the form of alternative grain and carbohydrate substitutes, which we can expect to see continue to evolve over the next year. The next “courgetti” is just around the corner! It is time to celebrate the power of the British food and drink brand, and provide it with the support that it deserves. This is an industry that we simply can’t afford to starve of investment.Five ingredients for success from Ella's Kitchen founder Paul Lindley
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