Food producers from the South West were recognised for their excellence in international trading with the Board of Trade Awards (BOFTAs) this week.

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International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP awarded three food and drink producers from the South West with the prestigious awards. These include:

• Artisan ice cream maker Granny Gothards
• Devon-based vanilla company LittlePod 
• Award-winning Somerset cheesemaker Lye Cross Farm 

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These come against a backdrop of substantial growth in UK food and drink exports over the last 10 years (2008-2018), with exports to countries outside of the EU growing by an immense 113%.

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International Trade Secretary and President of the Board of Trade Dr Liam Fox MP said:

“My international economic department works with businesses of all sizes, from every sector and in every part of the UK to boost exports and showcase the best of British around the world.

“As well as putting Somerset and Devon companies on the map as champions of great food and drink, these BOFTAs build on the success of other food manufacturers from across the UK who have also been recognised for their exceptional performance.”

Previous BOFTA winners within the Food and Drink sector have included The Anglesey Sea Salt Company whose salt is a vital ingredient in Green & Blacks Chocolate, and Speyside Distillers Company, the last privately-owned single malt distillers in Scotland.

Businesses recognised with BOFTAs receive an engraved Board of Trade medallion, certificate and permission to use the Board of Trade logo on their websites, products and services – a globally recognised mark of excellence.

The awards follow on the momentum of the launch of the Department for International Trade’s Export Strategy last year, which sets out how Government will support companies of all sizes to make the most of the opportunities presented by markets around the world. The strategy was created following extensive engagement with a range of UK businesses and sets a new ambition from Government to increase exports as a proportion of UK GDP to 35%. 

Companies looking for support should visit great.gov.uk, which has information on live export opportunities and includes general information on exporting and events.