NEWS
Flying the flag for UK food and drink exports Food and drink exports across the UK are recovering from the challenges of the pandemic with manufacturers taking advantage of new trading relationships across the world, according to research by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF). The FDF’s UK Food and Drink Exports report has revealed the latest breakdown of food and drink exports from across the UK during 2021, showing that Scotland, Wales, the West Midlands and the North East of England had the strongest export growth. This reflects encouraging recovery from the supply chain problems caused by Covid, as well as the fact that businesses are adapting to the new UK-EU trading relationship, feel the FDF - an important sign that the food and drink industry can play a vital role in levelling up the country. Key findings from the report include Scotland accounting for the largest share of UK food and drink exports, with almost 30% of total exports (this was worth £5.7bn, up 14.6% since 2020). Wales is the only UK nation to exceed pre-Covid export levels. This was driven by strong exports
of cereals, up 173% since 2020, and now worth nearly £140m to the economy. The North East saw the largest increase reaching £280m – a 20.4% increase from 2020 - while the West Midlands grew by £810m, a 12.6% rise from two years ago. The share of exports to non-EU markets is increasing, the FDF found, with a strong growth in London, as companies take advantage of the opportunities to grow exports through the UK government’s new global trade deals. However, more can be done to improve the implementation of the UK-EU trade agreement, to help companies recover exports in the EU alongside growing market share in other global markets, they feel. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not factored into this report, and they are yet to understand its full impact on our sector’s exports and on the global supply chains on which our sector relies for some ingredients, such as vegetable oils, cereals and white fish, the FDF acknowledged. The FDF’s chief executive, Karen Betts, said: “It’s very encouraging to see exports
starting to recover across many parts of the UK, with companies starting to pull out of Covid-related disruption and adapting to the UK’s new trading relationships with countries around the world. Every product we export is rooted in our culture and our communities, and it’s great to see that our food and drink is sought out by consumers all over the world. “Our report also shows the vital role that food and drink manufacturing plays in every community across the UK’s four nations, and how central our sector is to prosperity at home as well as in driving exports overseas.” Minister for Exports, Mike Freer, added: “It’s brilliant to see food and drink companies from every corner of the UK selling their products to the world, growing our economy and supporting jobs across the country. Our 12-point Export Strategy, Export Support Service and new network of agri-food and drink attachés are all ways we’re supporting businesses to boost their exports and take advantage of exciting new opportunities across the globe.”
Investment in Papa Johns adds up for former accountant Papa Johns has opened in Newton Abbot, Devon, with the company’s newest store located on Queen’s Street, and being officially opened by Mayor Councillor, Carol Bunday, and Sally Henley Newton Abbot town development manager, who also attended the launch. The new store will be run by franchisee Dr Renato Raho, consultant, accountant and former McDonald’s franchisee who has already recruited a team of 20 local staff to help run the operation. “After a career in the city and then building a couple of businesses including my McDonalds franchised restaurants, which I ran successfully for seven years, Papa Johns offers relocation and a brand new, exciting challenge,” said Renato Raho. “The investment ‘adds up’, and the premium product and delivery model presents unrivalled opportunities. Myself and my partner, Lisa Kitching, who is also 10
highly experienced in the QSR sector, are now looking forward to developing our portfolio of Papa Johns stores in the South West region. “With the majority of customers taking advantage of the Papa Johns delivery model, our goal is to make sure regular customers and visitors to the English Riviera can enjoy their favourite fresh pizza treat where and when they choose. However, we know it’s the people behind the pizza who really make the magic
happen. Our team is the key ingredient, facilitating convenience and ensuring pizza can be added to the menu of fun experiences enjoyed by friends and families whatever the occasion. We are now actively recruiting for more new staff to help us run the additional stores we have planned over the coming months in this exciting phase of expansion.” Amit Pancholi, business development director, Papa Johns UK said: “Renato’s financial knowledge and business acumen combined with his energy, interest and experience in staff development in a QSR setting means he is particularly well placed to deliver the success of multiple new stores planned for the South West. His focus on ‘right people, right place’ aligns closely with our values and we will support him and his team in their planned programme of store openings over the next few years.” www.pizzapastamagazine.co.uk
