Food and drink exports from Britain have reached record levels for the first half of this year, according to new data released this week.

According to HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the amount of produce leaving British shores has reached £10.6 billion (€11.9 billion), helped largely by meat, dairy, alcohol and fresh produce.

On the whole, food and drink exports had grown by four per cent year-on-year, with non-EU markets like China, Hong Kong and the US being strong drivers of growth. Altogether, there are now more than 200 global markets for British produce, Defra said. 

Food minister George Eustice said: "Consumers across the globe know British produce is delicious. They also know it is high in quality and backed by high standards of animal welfare. Leaving the EU will give our food and drink producers an unparalleled opportunity to tap into more markets and take advantage of the UK's position as a truly global nation."

Meanwhile, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, trade in British gin is currently unprecedented. Last year, the amount exported was worth £530 million (€594 million), making the UK the largest exporter of the product.