Special report: UK sets sights on the world

What? Carrots

Where? Continental Europe

How? There is a gap in the market for better-structured carrot exports from the UK, according to one grower. Rodger Hobson, Yorkshire grower and chair of the Carrot Growers’ Association, says every year there is demand during January and February for UK carrots, which are fresh from the ground compared to stored European crops. “Demand from countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany is there and has been happening,” he says. “Here is an opportunity staring us in the face, though you’d have to grow specifically for it, put plans in place and increase marketing.”

What? Seed potatoes

Where? Europe, Middle East, worldwide

How? Scottish seed potato exports are worth around £90 million and are in demand across the world due to the country’s ‘clean, green’ reputation. “There are opportunities to export more seed potatoes. Our climate in Scotland allows us to produce very high quality seed potatoes, particularly organic and speciality seed potatoes, and logistics to service many export markets are becoming easier,” says heritage seed potato exporter Andrew Skea. “Transport costs are higher from Scotland than from some other seed potato areas so we need to concentrate on products that are highly valued.”

What? Chillies

Where? Pakistan

How? News that Britain is exporting chillies to Pakistan came as part of the government’s huge exports drive, under environment minister Liz Truss. After “opening three new global markets every week since 2010”, ministers have urged any producers considering exports to take advantage of marketing and networking tools provided by UKTI. The AHDB has also part-funded the UK’s first agriculture counsellor in China, Karen Morgan, who is scoping out opportunities for British companies.

What? Envy apples

Where? Singapore/Malaysia

How? Worldwide Fruit plans to double exports of UK-grown Envy to Malaysia and Singapore after a successful campaign in 2014. The company said it is taking a different approach this year by giving growers specific standards for Envy exports, as the aesthetic qualities required by Asian markets, such as colour and skin finish, are different to European customers. In the first season, Singapore retailer NTUC imported the first volumes, with some pallets airfreighted to Malaysia to Senja Import.

What? Royal Gala

Where? Ireland and Asia

How? Three years ago, managing director of OrchardWorld, Mark Culley, says he recognised that the English apple industry was going to grow enough to be self-sufficient in Royal Gala, leading to exports opportunities. “We look at niche markets that take a small apple – larger markets such as Dubai want larger fruit,” he says. “The UK is viewed the same as any other apple-producing country; it’s about price, quality and colour.” One of the biggest challenges for UK exporters remains market access, says Culley, as well as finding adequate packaging for shipping times of up to 40 days. “It’s absolutely worth doing, but you’ve got to do your groundwork,” he adds.

Other fresh produce exports from the UK [Source: Defra]:

• Apples to Hong Kong

• Beetroot to the US

• Plums to Equatorial Guinea

• Raspberries to Belgium and France

• Peas to EU countries including Ireland

• Strawberries to Spain

• Brussels sprouts to the Netherlands

• Potatoes to Poland