![Left to right: John Sheaves, Taste of the West; Ian Burrow, NatWest; Paul Biden, WPS; Paul Marston, NatWest; Nigel Warren, Bishop Fleming; Juliette Cattell, UKTI South West; Sally Rice, Michelmores; Brian Jennings, Taste of The West](https://www.theexeterdaily.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/content_area_cover/public/field/image/taste_of_west_23.jpg?itok=gtYYv84w)
South West products reach global markets with the launch of Taste of the West International
Leading food and drink organisation, Taste of the West, is promoting South West food and drink products to global markets as part of its new export sales and marketing service, Taste of the West International, taking advantage of the interest in all things British following the Olympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The new service is committed to selling quality Westcountry food and drink products across the world providing regional food and drink producers with an opportunity to boost sales.
Taste of the West Chief Executive, John Sheaves, explains, “440,000 jobs, or nearly half million people, are employed in food and drink related businesses in the South West, from farming through processing to retailing. By taking our food and drink to the world – we will be able to provide real visibility for these businesses and showcase our wonderful region and passionate people who work here.”
He continues, “In contrast to the recent slow UK growth other parts of the world have been growing fast, into double digits in the Far East, giving food and drink producers a real opportunity to expand into thriving markets. Nationally the South West exports more food and drink than it imports and so selling our amazing produce to countries with high growth and higher disposable incomes is an opportunity not to be missed.”
Taste of the West has carried out extensive export market research finding a strong demand for high quality, West Country artisan products that tell the story of the region’s food heritage and excellence. Key markets including North America, Middle East, South Africa, Asia particularly Japan and Hong Kong and North and East Europe have been identified as priority areas. Product testing to delegations from Canada and China also received a positive reception and good feedback on sales potential.
John Sheaves comments, “Regional food producers do not have the time or resources to focus on the international sales opportunity individually. Taste of the West International creates a large, quality West Country brand and by using our extensive contact book of overseas buyers we will take the hard work out of export sales for regional producers. The SME food and drink sector is perfectly placed to increase UK exports enabling regional food manufacturers to secure a more profitable and sustainable future.”
Taste of the West International will act as Taste of the West’s commercial arm and will operate regionally, nationally and internationally remunerated by a percentage of sales. Taste of the West International is working in collaboration with sponsors, Natwest, Michelmores, Bishop Fleming, WPS and UKTI to offer market intelligence reports, legal, financial, insurance and accountancy advice and export strategy support to producers and will directly sell products to international markets on their behalf.
Paul Marston, Managing Director, NatWest Commercial Banking, South West says, “NatWest is delighted to be supporting Taste of the West International. The South West is home to some of the finest food and drink companies in the UK and we recognise the importance of this sector in the region's economy and role it plays in the food chain. We believe these strengths are creating considerable growth opportunities not just domestically but internationally, and our partnership with Taste of The West will allow us to help those businesses achieve their ambitions by selling their products overseas through our international trade finance expertise. At NatWest we support this sector through the provision of locally based, dedicated and independently accredited specialists in agriculture - many of whom have a background in farming industries - and manufacturing.”
Juliette Cattell, International Trade Advisor, UK Trade & Investment South West, says, “UKTI is pleased to see this expansion of Taste of the West’s activities in overseas markets and are working closely with their member companies across the region to develop their export skills and capacity. Taste of the West is also benefitting from our Gateway to Global Growth programme to help SME’s diversify into new export markets and maximise their potential in existing markets.”
Nigel Warren, Tax Partner, Bishop Fleming, says, “Bishop Fleming are delighted to be working with Taste of the West International as providing advice to businesses planning to enter or already operating in global markets, where there are many tax and financial issues to be considered, is what our international tax team does best. We specialise in helping local businesses successfully launch into international markets.”
Colin Watts, Director, WPS Insurance Brokers & Risk Services, says, “We very much look forward to working with Taste of the West International in this exciting new development for Food and Drink companies in the South West."
Taste of the West International will work alongside Taste of the West’s existing domestic trade development work. For more information visit www.tasteofthewest.co.uk