South-west food exports boom

16-Jul-2018 - Last updated on 16-Jul-2018 at 10:19 GMT

South west food and drink exports reached £175m from January to March 2018, up £10m over the same period last year

Cornwall’s food and agriculture exports grew in the first quarter of the year, the fourth year in a row that this had happened, according to the Treasury.

The south-west chalked up £175m from January to March 2018, up £10m over the same period last year. Across the whole of 2017, the region amassed £700m in exports from the sector.

Chief secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss said she hoped the figure for this year would be even higher.

“Food manufacturers in this region have made a flying start to 2018 and it’s hugely encouraging to learn, once again, that food exports are up for the first quarter of this year,” said Truss.

‘Boosts earnings’

“Exporting boosts the earnings of a business, and the wages of local workers, it also enhances the reputation of Britain and Cornwall around the world. It is so important that local traders in this part of the world have the opportunity to increase their trade and create jobs …”

Truss made the statement during a tour last week of food manufacturers and processors of other goods based in the area.

In May, Dairy Crest announced it planned to invest £85m in expanding capacity at its cheese plant in Davidstow, north Cornwall, in response to swelling UK and international demand. The cash investment would be used to increase production capacity for its Cathedral City and Davidstow cheese brands, boost whey production capacity, enhance packaging capabilities and support local farmers.

The company said appetite for cheese was increasingly substantially in Europe, China, the US and the Far East.

Meanwhile, Ginsters, which is based in Callington, Cornwall, is undergoing a massive brand overhaul and new product development drive.