The UK’s biggest export markets for its world-class food and drink products are the US, the EU and, increasingly, member countries of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Joseph Goldsworthy, an academy trade and customs specialist at the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, says that these markets should stay high on exporter agendas even as opportunities grow in other geographies.
Speaking ahead of his upcoming appearance at the free International Food and Drink Event (IFE) for 2025 in London’s Excel venue on 17–19 March, Goldsworthy says that “Brand Britain is highly desirable, and customers from around the world often choose premium British brands when looking to food and drink”.
“2025 is a great time for first-time exporters to explore the range of markets available to them or for established brands to win over new customers.
“Great British food and drink has long been a bastion of quality, and whether you are looking to re-establish contacts in Europe or win new trade in South Asia, there is a hunger for UK exports this year, as traders look to capitalise on the uncertainty which has taken place with trade from other countries."
Europe
The UK’s biggest export market remains the EU, despite the country’s exit from the bloc.
Statistics from the end of last year produced by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) found that, while overall exports to the EU from the UK fell in 2024, there were upward trends too. Exports to Germany ticked up by 1.4%, while those to Ireland went further, increasing by 3.0%.
The FDF noted that, with “targeted export support and a concerted focus on removing unnecessary paperwork”, particularly for SMEs, there could be more opportunity for UK firms in the bloc yet.
The Food and Drink Exporters Association reports that almost 60% of UK exports in the sector went to the EU last year, with total exports reaching a value of £13.9bn. It’s crucial, therefore, to check whether this huge market is also right for your product.
Cheese exports in particular saw major growth to the EU last year, up 11% on 2023. The same growth was also seen for UK beef exporters.
Goldsworthy adds:
"The UK has been looking to reset relations with Europe and, coupled with uncertainty over the Atlantic, UK exporters stand to reap the benefits of rekindled relations with the EU.
“UK exports have been resilient over the last five years and it is evident that UK food is still highly desired in Europe."
The US
The US, meanwhile, is still a steadfast importer of UK food and drink. It is the third largest single importer of the UK’s products in the sector, according to the UK government, while English sparkling wines, gin and cheese have all been identified as product categories with “high growth potential”.
In its advice to exporters, the government also notes that the US offers particularly strong opportunities “for high-value, differentiated, niche, and on-trend products”. In raw numbers, the US offers a market of US$208.9bn and around 157,000 businesses just in terms of “single-location, independent or family-operated restaurants”.
Making the most of this and consumer interest in ‘Brand Britain’ in the US should be a firm consideration for those looking to export in this sector for the first time, or for those looking to expand into a new market.
CPTPP
The UK’s most recent trade deal offers a host of exporter opportunities for the sector. In December 2024 the UK acceded to the CPTPP, granting exporters tariff-free access to Malaysia and Brunei for the first time, as well as better trading terms with the other nine members: Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
The UK government highlights the bloc has a combined GDP of £12trn and includes economies set to become the world’s fastest growing over the next decade, adding that the Indo-Pacific region will be home to half of the world’s middle-class consumers in the following decades, creating opportunities for British firms selling iconic, high-quality food and drink products.
FDF noted a number of benefits for the sectors’ exporters. Tariff-free access to Malaysia and Brunei means ‘manufactured’ foodstuffs, such as soft drinks, confectionery and chocolate no longer face rates as high as 20%.
Protected British heritage brands can also expect to prosper under the new agreement, with tariffs on whiskey set to be eliminated over the next decade in Malaysia, from the current 80% rate.
There’s also new opportunities in the nine markets where the UK already has an existing trade agreement in place. This includes better access for dairy and cereals in Japan and the removal of tariffs on chocolate and confectionery to Mexico. The 6% tariff on cheese exports to Chile is also set to be removed within two years.
An important benefit for exporters of perishable goods is that under CPTPP all members have agreed to ensure goods will be released from customs within 48 hours. Traders can have increased confidence exporting good with a short shelf life to members.
Tickets for IFE are still available, with free registration closing soon. Secure your ticket here.
