The UK Government has today (Saturday 7 May) announced a £1
million package to boost seafood exports and promote the
industry’s high-quality produce overseas.
The package will target growing overseas markets and provide new
export opportunities for the UK fishing industry and seafood
sector following our departure from the European Union.
Global exports of UK seafood amounted to over £1.6 billion in
2021, with salmon the UK’s fourth top food and drink product
exported in 2021, totalling around £730 million. The investment
announced today will help grow seafood exports even further.
The Seafood Exports package will:
- Identify new overseas buyers and connect them with UK seafood
companies
- Promote UK seafood at international events
- Increase expertise on British seafood produce in our
Embassies and Consulates overseas
Seafood
specialists funded by the package will work closely with existing
Agri-food and drink attachés who help broaden market access for
UK businesses and resolve any technical barriers preventing
businesses from reaching global markets. The specialists will
bring vital insight to help address industry-specific challenges
and offer a more tailored approach to promoting seafood in new
and existing markets.
Fisheries
Minister, ,
said:
“We
exported £1.6 billion worth of UK seafood in 2021 and we want
this to increase. We are unlocking export opportunities in new
markets around the world, and the £1 million we are announcing
today will help seafood businesses across the UK take advantage
of them.”
Minister for
Export, ,
said:
“This
funding will provide a real boost to businesses, particularly
SMEs. It’s a genuine step change for current exporters, as well
as those looking to access new seafood markets for the first
time.
“These new
funds will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in the
sector and enable more countries than ever to enjoy Great British
seafood.”
The UK
Government is committed to working with businesses to help them
succeed in the global marketplace through a first-class export
support framework that will support jobs and economic growth
across the UK.
This
includes recently co-hosting a UK Seafood Pavilion at the Seafood
Expo Global in
Barcelona, providing an opportunity for some UK businesses to
exhibit at the show for the first time, as well as bolstering
support for businesses with an already-established presence at
the show.
Hannah
Thompson, Head of International Trade and
UK Regions (West) at Seafish,
said:
“The
seafood sector in the UK has had a tough couple of years with the
pandemic and some of the challenges of leaving the EU. It was a
pleasure to support seafood businesses to get back in front of
their global customers at the world’s biggest seafood trade show
in Barcelona last month. The UK pavilion was a huge success and
this new funding will give the sector another boost to help it
showcase the high quality and sustainable seafood that comes from
our passionate seafood producers in the UK.
Louise Kelly,
Director at Edwin Jenkinson Limited, said:
“The
opportunity and support given by Seafish, Defra and DIT during
out first time as exhibitor at the Global Seafood show was
invaluable. Visiting as an exhibitor allowed us to meet face to
face with all potential new clients and really understand their
businesses, allowing our rapport to grow faster. Only one week
later we are already exporting to new markets and have many more
prospective clients!”
This
package complements the wide range of export support the UK
Government already provides for the UK’s world leading food
industry. Food and drink is an important part of our Made in the
UK and Great campaigns, supported by HM Trade Commissioners,
Trade Envoys and Export Champions.
Background
- The £1 million investment is the final part of
the £100m UK Seafood Fund. The UK
Seafood Fund also includes the £24m science and innovation
scheme which is helping to enhance the sustainability of the
sector through data collection, research and innovation; at
least £65m available to improve infrastructure and strengthen
supply chains; and up to £10m for skills and training to
generate new jobs and upskill fishermen.
