UK wine exports reached £270m during the first half of this year, which represents an increase of 21% in value and 15.4% in volume sales, according to figures released by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

Food and drinks exports from the UK have increased sharply this year, with a rise in South Korea by 77%, China by 35%, and Australia by 24%.

Food and drinks trade with the EU is currently worth £6.3bn, which is more than the overseas markets at £4bn. The EU’s share of all UK food and drink exports is 61.2%.

The UK also serves as a hub for the global wine industry. The majority of wine is originally imported from other countries to the UK before being re-shipped to locations such as the EU, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) chief executive Miles Beale said: “The figures released today demonstrate that wine is a key export product for the UK, providing a significant contribution to British food and drink.

“Wine is a key export product for the UK, providing a significant contribution to British food and drink.”

“We currently export more wine than beef or pork and at current trends we are set to overtake chocolate before long. The release of a customs paper earlier this week detailing the government’s intent to pursue an interim agreement while continuing negotiations with the EU over a free trade deal, is sensible.

“Uninterrupted trade with the EU is essential if we want to protect and increase our wine exports.”

WSTA emphasises the importance of the UK getting the right deal as it leaves the EU, including uninterrupted trade with the US and Australia.

The WSTA represents more than 300 companies that produce, import, export, and sell wines and spirits in the UK.