Thousands of pounds of Midlands-produced food and drink has been exported to Poland as a new national campaign was launched to boost UK exports.

Heart of England Fine Foods (HEFF), which includes producers from Birmingham and the Black Country, organised the consignment of food and drink products from 11 of its members to be showcased at one of eastern Europe’s largest trade exhibitions.

Among orders gained at the event was a £2,000 consignment for the British Embassy in Warsaw.

It is the latest in a series of opportunities to show off the best products from the region which have been created by a collaboration between the HEFF international trading desk and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

The organisation’s Jon May said the Midlands-based food group’s figures showed luxury goods were often in most demand. He said: “Our members are contributing to Europe becoming the highest growth destination for food and drink exports and we’re delighted to be able to help them trade internationally, and develop their overseas markets.

“Providing this consignment of HEFF producers’ food to Poland is the best kind of showcase for what this region has to offer and it included a variety of produce from oat biscuits and dry cider to mature cheese, Stilton and chutneys.

A UK Food and Drink Foundation report found that the biggest export increases were chocolate (5.4 per cent to £249 million), cheese (3.8 per cent to £210 million), soft drinks (5.5 per cent to £187 million) and sweet biscuits (14.2 per cent to £136 million).