HEART of ENGLAND fine foods (HEFF) organised the consignment of food and drink products from 11 of its members to be showcased at central Europe’s largest rail exhibition, TRAKO.
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).
Since HEFF supplied members’ produce for an event to celebrate the Queen’s birthday at the British Embassy in Warsaw last year, the opportunities to showcase more products have grown thanks to a strengthening relationship with the embassy and the British Polish Chamber of Commerce. The latest consignment for TRAKO in Warsaw was ordered by the British Ambassador and was worth around £2,000.
The shipment order came as new figures revealed total UK food and drink exports grew by 2.5 per cent to £6.1 billion in 2013, and a new UKTI-backed Open to Export campaign was launched offering a range of support for sector companies wanting to develop export business.
The figures from the Food and Drink Federation showed that chocolate, soft drinks and biscuits topped the export figures both within and outside Europe, with China the largest overseas market for British food and drink exports.
Jon May, of HEFF’s International Trading Desk, said the FDF report reflected the Midlands-based food group’s own figures, with luxury goods often in demand. The International Trading Desk provides practical support for HEFF members exporting goods.
He said: “Our members are contributing to Europe becoming the highest growth destination for British food and drink exports and we’re delighted to be able to help them trade internationally, and develop their overseas markets.
“Trading internationally can be a daunting prospect for any business that hasn’t yet tested the water. We provide our producers with all the support they need, from putting them in front of customers to fulfilling the orders which come from that.
“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.
“The HEFF International Trading Desk provides a one-stop-shop for overseas buyers, taking the effort out of sourcing from multiple suppliers in the region. Buyers benefit from the expert knowledge of the HEFF team to advise them on suitable products and assist them with the ordering of local food and drink from a range of producers in one transaction.”
The FDF report also found that some of the food groups with the biggest 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), sweet biscuits (14.2 per cent to £136 million) and sugar confectionery (6.8 per cent to £187 million).
Food and drink producers from the Heart of England region interested in exporting their products to overseas markets should contact the HEFF International Trading Desk on +44(0)1743 452812.
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