Whisky and chocolate makers are already reaping the Brexit benefits, say ministers

British whisky and chocolate makers are reaping the benefit of UK post-Brexit global trade arrangements this Christmas, the Government says.

It claims that soaring sales will be given a further boost as the UK becomes a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trading bloc of 11 nations in Asia and the Pacific.

The UK announced it was joining in July. Members include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore.

‘Luxury British staples such as Scotch Whisky, chocolate and sparkling wine are being ordered en masse by CPTPP countries,’ the Government said.

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: ‘Our fantastic British food and drink producers are already reaping the rewards of the UK’s tilt towards the Indo-Pacific. 

Once we become a fully-fledged CPTPP member, tariffs on more than 99 per cent of UK goods will be 0 per cent.’

Her department said that over the past year, UK chocolate exports to Singapore leapt 220 per cent to over £26million. 

Exports of whisky to Singapore topped £380million, up 31 per cent, while sales to Malaysia rose 43 per cent.