Chinese demand for UK pork boosts food exports He added: "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. The performance to non-EU markets was hugely encouraging in particular and a credit to companies investing to grow internationally. Despite the good news, there is huge untapped potential for boosting UK food and drink exports.