Food and drink companies from across Wales will be looking to the important export market of Spain, where they will be given the opportunity to showcase their quality and innovative produce to a host of distributors and retail buyers, and secure new business.
The Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Wales is leading the Trade Development Visit to the nation’s lively capital city, Madrid later this month (15-17 November 2016).
Fifteen food and drink companies, ranging from brewers through to bakers and meat processors, will gain an insight into the evolving Spanish market, which will provide opportunities to raise their profile and drive sales through meeting national food and drink buyers from across the country.
Ahead of the visit, Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM, commented:
“This trade visit to Spain provides a great opportunity for Welsh food and drink producers seeking to build new contacts in overseas markets and is part of our overall drive to support Welsh exports which is vital for the Welsh economy and to create and safeguard jobs.
“With its growing economy and a population of almost 50 million, discerning, food-loving countries like Spain are an essential target for our producers as we strive to hit our ambitious target of growing the industry 30% by the year 2020. Our food and drink is world-class and we are confident that the Spanish market will agree.”
Spain ranks in the top 3 export markets for Welsh food and drink and with its vibrant domestic market and prosperous tourism sector, the visit certainly presents a unique opportunity for Welsh companies.
Spanish buyers are looking to the UK for both traditional and innovative products, especially as Madrid has a vast number of leading specialist stores and chains focusing on organic, free from foods, healthy eating and natural product categories. Confectionary and bakery goods also remain popular within the Spanish market along with convenience and snacking products.
North Wales based Snowdonia Cheese Company is a well-established brand in Wales but will be exploring the opportunities available in the Spanish market. Established in 2001, the luxury cheeses were originally sold at farmers markets, but their humble beginnings have led to national recognition.
Richard Newton Jones of Snowdonia Cheese Company is looking forward to what the Madrid visit may bring:
“At Snowdonia Cheese Company, we continue to build our international presence. Exports have steadily grown in recent years and we are eager to expand our European offering. We believe that the Spanish market will be particularly receptive to our product range. This trade visit will be crucial in establishing new connections and learning more about the retail and foodservice sectors here.”
Also attending the Madrid Trade Visit are Ultrapharm who specialise in Gluten Free baked goods including breads, rolls, flat breads and muffins. Based in Pontypool, the company has been established for over 20 years as a dedicated Gluten Free baker developing new and innovative techniques and recipes to meet the increasing demand for Gluten Free products.
Iain Lewis from Ultraharm commented:
“We are really looking forward to creating new links with Spain and showcasing our products to Spanish retailers and buyers. The trip is a great opportunity to get to know the Spanish market and meet key people within the industry there. We are eager to build on the current demand for gluten-free products and entering the Spanish market will be key to doing that.”
Highlights of the visit will include a Meet the Buyer event which will provide companies with an opportunity to present to selected retail and food service buyers. The event will also provide the opportunity for a showcase of Welsh food and drink products in addition to accompanied store visits, a market briefing and a trade networking event.