Countries across the world with a strong traditional chilli culture are now becoming increasingly interested in the UK’s chillies with the Dorset Naga chilli seeds being sold to South America, India, Pakistan and Eastern Europe.
UK’s home grown chilli business is heating up as countries from India and Pakistan to Mexico and America are importing spicy capsicums, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss announced last week.
Already this year the value of chilli exports has soared to new heights with £1.3 million exported across the world up 49% from 2010. A total of 617 tonnes of British chillies have now spiced up dishes across the world in 2014 alone.
The UK has now gained a worldwide reputation for its chilli production with the Dorset Naga chilli ranking third in the world’s hottest chillies. When first sold it doubled the number of Scoville Heat Units of the previous hottest chilli in the world.
Chillies are the latest success in ever-increasing exports of British food and drink which totalled £18.9 billion in 2013. Our exports include shipments of cheese to France and Yorkshire Tea to China.
