Wales sets its sights on Scandinavian market
Companies embark on first food and drink trade development visit to Finland and Sweden
Sixteen Welsh food and drink companies are preparing to fly out to Finland and Sweden with the aim to find new trading opportunities in these markets. Supported by the Welsh Government, the Food and Drink Wales trade development delegation is the first to visit Scandinavia concentrating solely on food and drink.
According to Rebecca Evans, the Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, this is another important step to sustainably grow the industry,
“Our ambitious plans for the Welsh food and drink market have been well documented and we are constantly looking for new ways to ensure our high quality produce is recognised and appreciated across the world. We are currently delivering a programme of trade events where companies are supported to visit key markets and it’s an invaluable opportunity to interact directly with potential customers and partners.
“This trade visit allows us to focus on a specific market, understand their needs, and will give the companies involved an invaluable insight into how they can tailor and package their products accordingly.”
16 companies will be visiting Finland and Sweden ranging from dairy and bakery to meat and brewing companies.
Porthmadog based Purple Moose Brewery saw its turnover pass £1m in 2013 and founder Lawrence Washington sees this trade visit as a perfect opportunity to expand their business in these markets,
“The Scandinavian countries are of particular interest to us at Purple Moose Brewery as potential export markets. The opportunity to meet with key buyers and understand how they want to develop their business is crucial so we can respond to their needs. I hope that our moose branding could prove to be popular in these countries also.”
Brecon based Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits is another company looking to make inroads as Ali Carter explains,
“We have had many enquiries from Scandinavian buyers and we have responded and made initial positive relationships with them. Hopefully what this trade visit will give us is the chance to find out what we have to do to convert this interest into a wholesale distribution partnership of quality.”
During the five day visit to Helsinki and Stockholm, which commences on 21 September, the companies will meet potential buyers and distributors, visit key stores and have the opportunity to showcase their products.
Clarks UK Ltd., a syrup company in Newport is a brand leader in the UK with its maple syrup and founder Bob Clark sees this as the perfect opportunity to expand,
“As a company we are no strangers to attending trade events under the Food and Drink Wales banner, and that has given us great exposure to new markets. However this trade development visit takes the experience to a new level and allows us to focus on key elements of a very important food and drink market in Scandinavia. It is a great opportunity for all involved.”
