Soft drinks exports in the UK grew by 5.5% to £187m in the first half (H1) of 2013 compared to the same period last year, according to a report released by Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents the UK food and drink manufacturers.

Overall food and non-alcoholic drink exports in the UK grew by 2.5% to £6.1bn in the first half (H1) of 2013 compared to the same period last year.

As per the report, food and non-alcoholic drinks exports declined by 3.4% in Q1, while they grew by 9% in Q2 with June alone contributing a growth of more than 13%.

Exports to the EU27 showed positive signs (+1%) though this was eclipsed by continued high growth to non-EU markets, up 7.5%.

Market-wise, food and non-alcoholic drink exports grew by 126% to £102m in China in H1 2013, followed by Australia, which reported 25.9% growth to £55m.

FDF economic and commercial services director Steve Barnes said that Q1 started slowly with the Eurozone gripped by recession and extreme weather, and the UK still feeling the effects of a disappointing 2012 harvest.

"However, Q2 was much better as the EU pulled out of recession and consumer confidence grew," Barnes added.

"The performance to non-EU markets was hugely encouraging in particular and a credit to companies investing to grow internationally."