LONDON, ENGLAND — Exports of cereals and bakery products from the U.K. rose 3% in the first half of 2011, according to a new report from the U.K. Food and Drink Federation. Exports for the category totaled £986.9 million ($1.519 billion), up from £955.1 million in the first half of 2010.

Within the category, exports of sweet biscuits scored the sharpest gain, rising 11% to £115.4 million ($177.6 million), while bread increased almost 11% to £45.6 million ($70.1 million). Strong demand for bread came from the No. 2 market Germany, up 36%, No. 4 market Sweden, up 24%, and the No. 6 market United Arab Emirates, up 517%.


Exports of savory biscuits rose 7% to £15.8 million ($24.3 million) while breakfast cereals gained 5% to £196.3 million ($301.9 million). For breakfast cereals, export demand was sharp in the No. 2 market France, up 27%, and No. 3 market Italy, up 25%. Exports fell 1% in the No. 1 market Ireland.

Cakes suffered a decline in export sales of 6% to £83.2 million ($128 million), as declines were recorded in the No. 1 market Ireland, down 6%, No. 2 market The Netherlands, down 6%, and No. 3 market France, down 23%.

Overall, total food and non-alcoholic drinks exports rose 13% in the first half of 2011 to £5,799.8 million ($8,920.4 million), up from £5,129.5 million in the same period of 2010.