UK food producers should utilise Liverpool to take full advantage of the sector’s export value, according to the Department for International Trade (DIT).

Companies looking to make the most of trading with the USA and Asia could utilise the Port of Liverpool – this message was delivered at an export-focused event hosted by Peel Ports Group in partnership with DIT and the Welsh Government

With more than £22 billion of British food and drink products shipped around the world last year and over £1.7 billion from the North West alone, the dinner was held for food producers to assist in furthering these figures.

Patrick Walters, chief operating officer at Peel Ports, added: “Liverpool has the potential to turn thousands of producers across the UK into global exporters. Connected to the heart of the UK by road, rail and canal, shipping via Liverpool provides direct access to the bulk of the UK’s population and, in turn, to a significant amount of producers looking to take the next step on their journey and export goods abroad.”

Lynne Gillen, Department for International Trade team leader, said: “Companies are increasingly looking for new markets and the US and Canada are of great interest. With this in mind we will be promoting various trade shows in the US, hosting CETA events to promote trade with Canada, and have plans to bring buyers over from the US and Canada in the summer months. It is important that all organisations involved in the exporting journey make life as easy as possible for companies and I believe the resource of Liverpool2 will have a great impact on the Northern economy.”

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths added: “In recent years, Welsh food and drink has gained a growing and well-deserved reputation for high quality. Working with businesses and growing the industry is one of the key priorities of our Action Plan and we are well on track to achieving the growth target of £7 billion ahead of 2020. However, it is important that we continue to build on our success. Our trade events calendar gives our businesses the opportunity to access buyers from around the world. Working alongside partners such as the Port of Liverpool and our Welsh ports will give our business the benefit of a gateway to a global export market.”