The British Beer & Pub Association, alongside UK Trade & Investment, this week (Wednesday) hosted an industry roundtable at Brewers’ Hall in the City of London to discuss opportunities for beer exports. Following the launch of the UK Food and Drink Strategy in October, a beer and cider export delivery plan is almost complete.
The event brought together a range of brewers, trade associations and export officials to discuss the best methods, opportunities and support for exports. The delegates heard from UKTI food & drink specialists on how they could be supported; the export event opportunities, attracting buyers to Britain and a clearer understanding of the levels of regional support available.
The BBPA has been working with the National Association of Cider Makers, Society of Independent Brewers and BFBI to develop a long term sustainable strategy for exports, with support from UKTI. The Delivery Plan is set to be launched in early 2014, following consultation with brewers, cider makers and suppliers.
Brigid Simmonds OBE, Chief Executive, British Beer & Pub Association, comments:
“For centuries, the UK has produced some of the world’s finest beers. With the likes of IPA, porter and stout being exported and reproduced all over the world, beer is an iconic British product, and our brewing supply chain also has a reputation for quality and innovation. In 2011, beer exports were worth £560 million to the UK economy and outside the EU, exports were up 25 per cent since 2008.
“This event, and the forthcoming delivery plan, indicates the high level of support for export growth from the BBPA, SIBA and BFBI. With Government support from UKTI and the GREAT campaign, we are ambitious for British beer exports.”
Ends
For further information and requests for interviews with Brigid Simmonds, please contact:
David Wilson, Director of Public Affairs: 020 7627 9151/ 07557 436 033
Gareth Barrett, Public Affairs Manager: Tel: (020) 7627 9154
Neil Williams, Head of Media: 020 7627 9156 / 07974 249 779
Notes to editors:
The British Beer & Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 96 per cent of the beer brewed in the UK and around half of Britain’s 49,500 pubs.
Neil Williams
Head of Media
British Beer & Pub Association
020 7627 9156
07974 249 779