With Export Week now upon us, eleven Welsh companies are getting ready to fly the Welsh flag in China to promote their produce at the Food and Hotel China (FHC) Exhibition in Shanghai.
The Food and Drink Wales pavilion at Shanghai is supported by the Welsh Government. Deputy Minister for Farming and Food Rebecca Evans said that the Welsh presence at the event will be an opportunity to further expand Wales' increasing export market.
The Deputy Minister said: “Wales is undoubtedly ahead of the game when it comes to the excellent quality of our food and drink. The Welsh Government has prioritised this as one of our key development sectors, and we aim to increase annual sales by 30% by the year 2020 to £7 billion.
“Our export market to countries including China is anticipated to continue to grow significantly, driven by factors such as increasing disposable income and a growing taste for international food. It is crucial therefore that the Welsh Government supports our Welsh food and drink companies by enabling them to exhibit at Food and Hotel China 2014 in order to capitalise on the growing trading opportunities offered in the market.”
There are a number of Welsh companies already on their way to creating a strong presence in China, including Cardiff based Good Carb Food Company and Pembrokeshire dairy firm Trioni Ltd.
Held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, FHC is one of the leading international food and drink trade events in China. In 2013 over 1,800 companies from 70 countries attended the three-day event with more than 30,000 buyers from China and neighbouring countries.
The Welsh exhibitors in 2014 are:
- Burts Biscuits and Cakes Ltd
- Dailycer UK
- Dansco Dairy / Dairy Partners
- Gower Brewery Company Limited
- The Good Carb Food Company (Lizi’s)
- Trioni Ltd
- Abergavenny Fine Foods
- Caws Cenarth Cheese Ltd
- Purple Moose Brewery Ltd
- Welsh Lady Preserves
- Welsh Whisky