Figures from Food from Britain showed that exports reached £5.2 billion in the year to June, £1 billion more than in the same period last year.

Despite the impact of Foot and Mouth disease, the figure for the full year is expected to reach £11 billion.

The food market development network also said that UK food exports are now growing at a faster pace than imports.

A spokesman said:

"The UK export market has proved itself to be extremely robust and with all the logistics, opportunities and expertise in place, we are confident that this upward trend is set to continue."