It is popular to bash the government for holding back business. Whether it is VAT, business rates or red tape – there is invariably something to complain about. But in the case of exports, the government deserves praise.

Last year Defra opened up the Chinese pork market and last week it sealed a deal to sell beef and lamb in Russia – ending an 18-year ban imposed after the outbreak of BSE.

These deals are hugely important to the British food industry. In the case of the Chinese deal, it added £45m to British food exports to China in the first six months of this year.

And it is not just the size of the business that matters. Thanks to the more adventurous tastes of Chinese consumers, this new market has given British pork companies the opportunity to sell parts of the animal, such as offal, trotters and ears, which have little value at home.

The government is also investing more money in supporting UK businesses at trade shows around the globe. This is long overdue. Other countries spend heavily promoting their produce overseas. In the south of France for example, the regional government has even created a brand ‘Sud de France’ – under which it promotes local food and wine at festivals and trade shows around the world.

There is a huge appetite for British food brands. This is partly down to the feel-good sentiment around Britishness after the London Olympics, Jubilee, Royal Wedding and Royal baby, but it is also thanks to the innovative nature of British companies.

It is apparent in the export stats. In the first six months of 2013, value-added food and drink exports increased 4.9% despite the well-documented economic problems of our main trading partners in the Eurozone.

For those starting out on the export journey or considering selling into a new market, UKTI last year created a website called Open to Export. This is a useful resource. As well as providing background information for exporters, it also has a forum to help exporters looking for advice and guidance.

This week, Open to Export is hosting two webinars on Tuesday and Thursday specifically for food and drink exporters. It also has a food and drink page featuring articles and case studies. Find out more on the Open to Export website.

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