Melton drink and food firms to benefit from UK new trade deal

A range of manufacturers are hoping to benefit from cuts to tariffs , with some seeing tariffs of 27 per cent cut to zero.

There could be protection for Melton-produced Stilton cheese and pork pies under the agreement, which is expected to see the number of geographical indications (GIs) for UK goods increase to 70 from the seven under the EU-Japan trade deal.

Soft drinks maker Belvoir Fruit Farms has been trading in Japan since 2001 and has seen the demand for British made products grow over nealy 20 years.

Pev Manners, managing director of the company, which has been producing its fruit cordials and pressés since 1984, said: “The opportunities for Belvoir Fruit Farms in Japan are huge because of the company’s history and British heritage. 

“Our consumers in Japan are fascinated by our original family recipe and our special manufacturing process, which involves picking the elderflowers by hand. 

He added: “Japan has become one of Belvoir’s top export markets and is one of our key growth partners.”

The final signing of the trade deal will take place next month.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “This is a historic moment for the UK and Japan. This is our first major post-Brexit trade deal and it goes far beyond the existing EU deal by securing new wins for British businesses including in our great manufacturing, food and drink, and tech industries.” 

Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambrs of Commerce, said: “This is a cause for celebration but securing a free trade agreement with the EU remains critical .”