Welsh food and drink producers will travel to Cologne in Germany this week (5-9 October) to attend one of the world’s largest trade fairs for food and drink despite the uncertainty and challenge of Brexit.
Supported by the Welsh Government, eight Welsh companies will be attending Anuga 2019 under the Cymru/Wales banner, all looking to reach new export markets.
Commenting ahead of the trade exhibition, the Welsh Government’s Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths believes that it is important for Welsh food and drink to be seen on a worldwide platform, she said: “We have set out our plans to develop the global reputation of Wales as a Food Nation. We are proud, therefore, to be supporting a strong Welsh delegation at this important global trade event, reaffirming our commitment to raising our international profile and supporting our businesses to sell their quality food and drink to the world.”
Companies exhibiting at Anuga include Ty Nant Spring Water, 9Brand Foods, Calbee Group UK Ltd, Plas Farm Ltd and Mornflake, with representation also from Evan-Evans Group Ltd, Sabor de Amor and Gut Instinct. Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) will also have a prominent presence at the event and will be looking to continue the growth of the profile of PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef in Germany and nearby countries.
One company continuing to drive export growth in Europe despite Brexit is snack bar brand 9Brand Foods.
9Brand Foods are all about making healthier snacking nutritious and delicious. The range of products include NINE seed bars and Brynmor flapjack oat bars, which are packed full of flavour and use only the finest natural ingredients. Their core customers are active individuals and those who follow ‘free-from’ and vegetarian lifestyles.
Twenty-five years on, the NINE range has grown to 10 delicious flavours – all with seeds at the heart (and no mess in sight) all made in a craft bakery in Corwen, North Wales.
Commenting Bill Smith-Coats, General Manager at 9Brand Foods,
“We have seen a growth in consumers adopting a plant-based diet up 360% from 2016. Consumers are also looking to build natural and great tasting nutritional choices into their everyday lives and we’re uniquely positioned to be at the heart of what consumers are looking for thanks to our mix of seeds and natural ingredients which provide a great source of natural plant-based nutrition and energy.
“Our international business is in 25% year on year growth and we are now supplying 17 countries with 4 confirmed for Q4 of this year. We will continue to work with our distribution partners and direct customers to support them, in order to grow the brand’s awareness and sales.”
Another Welsh producer participating in Anuga as part of the Welsh food and drink showcase and hoping to win new business is Beatriz Albo of Sabor de Amor, who produces award winning authentic Spanish cooking sauces and condiments from her home in Wrexham.
Commenting ahead of Anuga, Beatriz Albo said,
“I am excited and very much looking forward to going to Anuga. With assistance from the Welsh Government this is now possible for me. It will give me a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the German market and to introduce my products to a whole new audience.”
In 2018 Welsh food and drink exports were worth £539m, with 73% going to the EU.
Anuga is a three day event providing an opportunity for food and drink businesses to develop new export opportunities as well as maintain existing trade with buyers across the globe. The biennial international fair attracts over 165,000 visitors from 198 countries and is one of the most important trade, sourcing and trend platforms for the international food industry.
Welsh food and drink producers will be located in the International Pavilion – 10.2 – stand number F051. Anuga is held in Cologne, Germany 5-9 October 2019.
