British fresh produce firms can explore opportunities in the Asian market and make new contacts thanks to a new UK trade mission to Hong Kong in September.
The package includes discounted access to the Asia Fruit Logistica trade fair, Asiafruit Congress, plus a welcome reception and hotel rooms, for £1,150 pp (worth £1,510).
Taking place from 5-8 September 2017, it is open to fresh produce suppliers, retailers, seed companies and associated service providers who are interested in making inroads into the fast-growing Asian markets.
Some British produce firms are already exporting to the region, in categories such as topfruit, seed potatoes and berries, and the package is designed for those with existing business links, as well as companies looking to make new contacts or learn more about supplying into Asia.
Head of exports at AHDB, Peter Hardwick, said: “The Asian markets are showing rapid growth in terms of a growing middle class with increasing levels of disposable income and n increasing demand for food with a clear focus on quality, food safety, sustainability and provenance.
“Essentially there are markets such as Hong Kong and Japan where the demand for high quality products is well established and these present perhaps the most immediate opportunities for UK exporters.”
As incomes have grown, Hardwick said the Asian markets are moving away from low value commodity type products towards high quality and luxury products. “This is evident in the food sector as well where products produced in western markets such as UK are seen to deliver this,” he added.
Hong Kong remains a “key crossroads for Asian markets”, Hardwick continued, as well as being a significant market in itself. A key advantage of attending the show is the significant buyer presence from across Asia and mainland China, he said.
For more information about the UK trade mission, contact Mandy Emeny-Smith at mandy@fruitnet.com.
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