UK unveils £1 million package to bolster British seafood exports

The UK government has unveiled a £1 million package to boost seafood exports and promote the industry’s produce overseas.

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. The investment is aimed at helping 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 and increase expertise on British seafood produce in UK Embassies and Consulates overseas.

Read also: Scottish salmon exports soared 36 percent in 2021

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.

“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,” Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis 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,” Minister for Export Mike Freer.

“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,” Hannah Thompson, head of international Trade and UK Regions at the British public body Seafish, said.

“The UK pavilion [at the Barcelona seafood expo] 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,” Thompson added.

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