Exports of British strawberries hit a new record last year with £3.9 million of the fruit being shipped to Europe, mostly via The Netherlands.
The increase represented a rise of 56.3 per cent in terms of value, and according to HMRC estimates, could equate to more than 1,200 tonnes of berries. Final destinations for the fruit included Ireland, Iceland and Spain, which imported £380,000 worth of strawberries.
The figures were welcomed in Wimbledon week by International trade secretary Liam Fox, who said, “As Wimbledon starts, and with the ‘Great British Summer of Sport’ in full swing, I am delighted that Britain’s exporters are serving up a treat, with more people than ever before enjoying classic British strawberries and cream. Food and drink is one of the UK’s most successful exports, accounting for £22.6 billion last year. And with demand rising, the Department for International Trade is ready to help UK businesses to succeed abroad.”
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