UK: Soft drink exports rise in 2009 - figures

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 20 April 2010

Export sales of non-alcoholic drinks grew 20.6% in 2009

UK food and soft drink exports rose by more than 4% in 2009, led by non-alcoholic beverages, seafood and breakfast cereals, according to data published yesterday (19 April).

Exports climbed 4.4% to GBP9.65bn (US$14.7bn), the Food and Drink Federation said, adding that the statistics highlighted "the importance of the sector to the UK economy".

Melanie Leech, the FDF's director general, said: "This is the fifth consecutive year of record exports by the food and drink industry – demonstrating the significant economic value of our sector.

"This strong performance is testimony to the persistence and entrepreneurial spirit of British manufacturers – as well as a reflection of the quality of what they produce."

Export sales of non-alcoholic drinks were up by 20.6% on 2008, coming in at GBP318.6m.

Sectors: Soft drinks, Water