Yorkshire’s food and drink exports grew by 4.6% to £1.17bn for the year ending September 2018, according to the latest data from HMRC.

Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices were revealed as Yorkshire’s most popular food and drink exports, with sales totalling £201m, up by 4.65% on the same period last year.

Sugar showed significant export growth over this period, increasing by 31% to £63m. Dairy and hens’ eggs also experienced growth with exports rising 15% to £81m.

During this period, Singapore emerged as one of the markets showing the greatest growth for Yorkshire food and drink exporters with the value of the region’s exports increasing by 31% compared with the past 12 months.

The Department for International Trade’s regional director for Yorkshire and Humber, Mark Robson, said: “Selling tea to China is just one of many triumphs by ambitious Yorkshire firms trading food and drink around the world.

“Many companies we work with tell us how revered British produce is overseas, with importers often requesting that the Union Jack is featured on packaging. There’s hundreds of opportunities out there, and we encourage all food and drink firms to put exporting on business plans for 2019.”

Food Minister David Rutley added: “British food and drink is increasingly being recognised the world over for its high-quality and delicious taste.

“These latest figures also underline the growing global popularity of the diverse range of specialist produce from our regions with a rich food heritage.

“I look forward to hearing more success stories as we continue to explore new export opportunities to ensure our incredible produce is on the menu for millions more people worldwide.”