Calls for UK to improve relations with EU after food and drink exports plummet

Figures reveal impact of Brexit and pandemic, with 2.7bn fall blamed largely on 24% drop in sales to bloc

UK food and drink exports fell by 16% in the first nine months of 2021, according to industry figures that revealed the devastating impact of Brexit and the pandemic on the value of trade.

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) said the sector's exports declined by 2.7bn between January and September compared with pre-pandemic levels, a drop it blamed largely on a 24% decrease in sales to EU countries.