Virtual event for food and drink firms aims to boost trade in the Middle East and Pakistan

27th January 2021

The event, organised by The Department for International Trade (DIT), Scottish Enterprise, Invest NI and Business Wales in conjunction with the Great British Food Programme, will see 500 meetings between UK producers and Middle Eastern distributors taking place across two days.

Trusted buyers and distributors will host 1-2-1 appointments with up to 22 pre-selected food and drink sellers, with each sales meeting lasting up to 20 minutes. 

To enhance the virtual sales experience, in advance of the event all buyers taking part are being sent food and drink hampers containing product samples from the sellers that they have requested to meet.

According to the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), the Gulf region accounts for almost 60% of the UK's food and drink exports to the Middle East and have been highlighted as priority markets by FDF members.

Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region saw significant growth in branded goods exports from the UK in 2019 (48% and 12% respectively).

Paul Shand, Head of Trade for DIT in the South West said:

“The South West is home to producers of high-quality food and drink and this event offers those companies the opportunity to grow and expand to lucrative markets during challenging times.

“International trade will play an important role in getting our economy back on track and I would encourage food and drink firms in the region who are ambitious to expand overseas to register.”

Companies can register for the event here up until 29th January. 

For further information on DIT’s export support and international opportunities, visit www.great.gov.uk

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