Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, RT Hon Jim Paice, has reaffirmed the vital role the UK food and drink industry plays in making the country a successful world player in food and drink.
Speaking at Food & Drink Expo recently the minister noted that the sector is one of the larger employers, responsible for over 3.5 million jobs and seven per cent of UK Gross Value Added.
“We have a re-awakened interest in the food and drink industry as part of Britain’s economic recovery – it is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK with a Gross Value Added of £24.6bn. It plays a key role in driving strong and sustainable growth, particularly through exports and in developing its overseas markets.
“Food and drink exports from the UK in 2010 saw the sixth consecutive year of growth in value to £16billion and provisional figures for 2011 indicate that we will perform even better, breaking the £16.5 billion mark.”
Paice said the UK had a world class reputation for innovation. “We want to harness this strength and use it to the economic advantage of the whole country.”
