UK exports of food and non-alcoholic drinks have hit record levels, boosted by strong performances in all product categories and a growing taste for British products in Central European countries.

Research commissioned by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) reveals that exports were worth £9.23bn in 2008, up 20% in value terms on the year before. When alcoholic beverages – notably Scotch Whisky – are included, exports hit £13.6bn.

Star performers included biscuits (up 15.3%); breakfast cereals (up 12.5%); cakes (up 12%); cheese (up 16.7%); chocolate (up 10.9%); sauces and condiments (up 21%); soft drinks (up 30.7%); and tea (up 14.3%). Together, exports of these added value products were worth almost £1.9bn.

The overall performance was also boosted by a buoyant red meat sector, recovering after the lifting of foot and mouth restrictions; strong exports of commodity cereals; and another strong year for fish and seafood companies who recorded overseas sales worth £1bn, despite tough market conditions.

Central Europe is one of the standout regions for exports, with growth fuelled by the demand for a wide range of UK food and drink products in the former Eastern Bloc countries. Exports to Hungary were up 74.3% to £40.2m; exports to Poland were up 53.6% to £116.4m; those to Latvia were up 51% to £8.6m; to Slovakia up 45.2% to £11.5m; and to Lithuania up 32.7% to £9.7m.

Melanie Leech, Director General, Food and Drink Federation, said: “Amid all the economic gloom, this is a genuine ‘good news’ story. UK food and drink manufacturers have built a strong international reputation for quality and innovation over many years – and it’s clear that our sector continues to perform strongly on the export stage, despite challenging global circumstances. As the Government this week looks to promote the importance of international trade through World Trade Week, these figures are a timely reminder of the important economic contribution made by the UK’s biggest manufacturing sector.”

Report author, Chris Brockman, Market Research Manager of Leatherhead Food International, said: “These figures represent yet another impressive performance from the UK food and drink exporting community. Exchange rates have clearly swung round in the favour of UK exporters, but the weakening of global markets means that competing on the international stage remains a challenge. The rebounding red meat sector has boosted overall performance, with UK lamb and beef exports together now back up to a level of nearly half a billion pounds, whilst the markets of Central and Eastern Europe represent some of the fastest growing opportunities for British products.”