The UK food and non-alcoholic beverages (F&B) exports for the first six months of 2012 have increased 2.2% to £5.9bn compared to the same period in the prior year, according to the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).
Exports to all non-EU regions, apart from those surrounding the Euro zone, also witnessed a growth of more than 7%.
The London-based trade group said that exports increased only 0.7% within the bloc primarily due to the Euro zone debt crisis which has resulted in sharp drop in exports to some key markets such as France and Italy.
FDF economic and commercial services director Steve Barnes said that UK food and drink exports have proven themselves to be an important component of both industry and the country's economic growth.
"This is why we are working with Government and others to remove barriers and to strengthen support for food and drink companies looking to export."
"Our brands have strong reputations in international markets and it is a credit to our manufacturers that despite difficulties experienced in many key EU markets, they have continued to drive forward sales by making in-roads into new markets," he added.
Outside of the EU, the highest gains were observed in Africa with 23.6% increase and the Middle East with a rise of 17.7%.
