EXPORTS of Yorkshire and the Humber food and drink increased to £1.2bn in the year to June 2018, a rise of 7.9% compared to the previous 12 months, the latest HMRC figures show.

The products that showed the most significant growth in exports over the 12-month period were sugar (up 38% to £62m), along with dairy and hens’ eggs (up 19% to £79m). Meanwhile fish products were the most popular food and drink exports over the same period, totalling £670 million.

The statistics also show that more firms in the region are targeting Australia, with 32% more food and drink exported to the country during the period when compared to the previous twelve months.

As part of Defra and DIT’s support, a number of Yorkshire and the Humber based companies have recently been able to visit overseas markets around the world on trade missions, including the Food and Hotel China (FHC) show in Shanghai and Gulfood in Dubai.

Mark Robson, of the DIT, said: “Exporting can be an extremely lucrative prospect and help a business become more resilient. We have a team on the ground ready to help firms either start exporting or explore new territories."

"Selling overseas does however come with its challenges, and this is why our team of experts is on hand to support. Whether it’s advice on the logistics of selling products abroad or support on trade missions to new countries, businesses thinking of reaching out should get in touch with our team today.

“There’s never been a better time to export.”