British firms are being encouraged to look at export opportunities under a major new scheme that will target nine growth markets across the world.
The new International Action Plan for Food and Drink, unveiled at the SIAL trade fair in Paris last week, will target the following countries, which the government said have the greatest demand for British products: Australia and New Zealand; Mexico and Latin America; France; Germany; India; USA and Canada; China; Japan; UAE and the Gulf.
The scheme will run five-year campaigns in these priority markets to increase demand for UK products, through a range of events at British embassies and key market information packages.
Activity will include online information for first-time and existing exporters, including key market profiles and key product sectors. Regional roadshows will provide business networking and market briefings, as well as trade shows and meet-the-buyer events. Other activity includes ministerial and trade ambassador visits and opening markets and removing barriers.
The campaign message Food is GREAT is being promoted via the British embassies around the world, such as in the US where there was a recent English sparkling wine and spirits event held in Chicago.
International trade minister Mark Garnier said the government has put trade at the heart of its agenda. “We are working hard to help UK companies take advantage of the global demand for British goods and services. This ambitious new plan shows the strength of our commitment to boosting UK food and drink exports around the world,' he said.
“Whether it’s helping our businesses to understand target markets, providing access to trade missions or advice on export finance, we are committed to helping budding exporters realise their dreams of building a global business.”
The new plan said that the UK is currently in the process of negotiating access for seed potatoes into China, and highlighted the case of British jam brand Tiptree that has built up its export portfolio to account for 25 per cent of its revenue.
Speaking at the SIAL, environment secretary Andrea Leadsom, said: “With over £10 billion worth of food and drink sold overseas in the last seven months and exports up almost six per cent compared to 2015, there is no doubt we are open for business and ready to trade.”
The new International Food Plan was developed by the Great British Food Unit, established earlier this year to take advantage of new opportunities for the sector overseas following the Brexit vote.
“Every day in every country around the world there is someone somewhere who wants or needs a UK product or service. The demand is out there. But 70 per cent of UK businesses that don’t currently export think their product or service is not suitable for overseas markets,” the plan said.
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