UK salmon exports were up. Credit: gabrihita / Shutterstock.com

A slump in whisky shipments hit the UK’s food and drink exports during the first nine months of the year, industry data shows.

However, the combined exports of food and non-alcoholic drinks rose in the period to the end of September, helped by sales of salmon, chocolate and beef.

According to UK trade body The Food and Drink Federation, UK food and drink exports slid 10.2% to £16.3bn ($20.4bn) in the first nine months of 2024. Sales of whisky – the vast majority of which is Scotch – dropped 36.4% in value terms to £2.8bn and slid by 28.5% in volume terms.

The FDF said “high food and drink inflation” helped sales revenue, with volumes in kilograms down more than 16.3%.

Nonetheless, salmon exports jumped 31.8% in volume terms and increased 27.5% by value to £693.4m. The volume of UK chocolate shipments climbed 15.7%, contributing to a 9.4% in sales to £656.7m.

UK beef exports were up 11.3% in volume and 13.4% in value, the FDF said.

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While the EU remains the UK’s biggest trading partner for food and drink exports, sales fell 5.3% to £9.8bn. The FDF pointed to the “persistent administrative burdens continuing to create barriers to trade with Europe”.

The US, where President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to introduce higher import tariffs after he takes office In January, remains the UK’s third largest export market.

By value, exports to the US were down 7.9% to £1.6bn. “Any opportunity to reduce the friction at borders and avoid any tariff increases would help the UK to maintain and grow trade with this high-value market,” the FDF said.

Tables and charts showing select data for UK food and drink exports in the first nine months of 2024
Credit: FDF / His Majesty’s Customs & Excise

Speaking about the overall numbers, Balwinder Dhoot, director of industry growth and sustainability at the FDF, said: “These figures highlight the challenges that UK food and drink continue to face when selling their products abroad. This is particularly true for the 12,000 SMEs in our industry, who struggle to overcome the administrative burdens of exporting. Providing more support for these businesses will help the UK strengthen its international trade and maintain its position on the global stage.

“However, there are many exciting opportunities beyond Europe. With millions of American consumers continuing to enjoy the iconic British tea and biscuits, it’s important that we maintain our positive trading relationship with this high-value market.”

Dhoot added: “In joining the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, CPTPP, we’ve strengthened our relationship with 11 new countries. By gaining these better terms for trading and removing friction at borders, food and drink manufacturers can access more markets and create more resilient supply chains.”