There was plenty of optimism among the British contingent at this week’s Sial as exhibitors received good news, positive feedback and a raft of leads.
British red meat producers had most to celebrate as not only did food and farming minister Lord Whitty allow himself to be photographed eating English beef, but news also emerged that it can now rejoin Welsh beef on European menus.
RWM Food Group, which was the country’s second largest beef exporter before the EU ban in 1996, has been working for six months to gain an export licence. Robert Heffer, MD, said: “We have started rebuilding
contacts and establishing new trade partners.” Heffer said it could take up to two years to re-establish old beef markets, but he was confident that English beef exports could begin as early as January. And there was a positive vibe among the other 75 British exhibitors.
One third were first timers, including frozen baby food manufacturer Babylicious, which picked up the prestigious Judges’ Favourite award for innovation, as well as Food from Britain’s Best New Product title. Sally Preston, MD and founder,said she had been inundated with enquiries. “We have so many avenues to explore and we have now got to focus on half a dozen priorities.”
Food from Britain chief executive David McNair was also upbeat: “There’s certainly a buzz around the British area but we will have to wait a few months to find out the success.”
A significant proportion of the British contingent was exhibiting ethnic cuisine. Nayankumar Patel, MD of Tastee Foods, was part of the East Midlands Fine Foods stall. Patel said: “Sial has been very encouraging. We have signed two major new deals.”
Julian Hunt, Sean McAllister, and Fiona McLelland report from the Sial show in Paris
British red meat producers had most to celebrate as not only did food and farming minister Lord Whitty allow himself to be photographed eating English beef, but news also emerged that it can now rejoin Welsh beef on European menus.
RWM Food Group, which was the country’s second largest beef exporter before the EU ban in 1996, has been working for six months to gain an export licence. Robert Heffer, MD, said: “We have started rebuilding
contacts and establishing new trade partners.” Heffer said it could take up to two years to re-establish old beef markets, but he was confident that English beef exports could begin as early as January. And there was a positive vibe among the other 75 British exhibitors.
One third were first timers, including frozen baby food manufacturer Babylicious, which picked up the prestigious Judges’ Favourite award for innovation, as well as Food from Britain’s Best New Product title. Sally Preston, MD and founder,said she had been inundated with enquiries. “We have so many avenues to explore and we have now got to focus on half a dozen priorities.”
Food from Britain chief executive David McNair was also upbeat: “There’s certainly a buzz around the British area but we will have to wait a few months to find out the success.”
A significant proportion of the British contingent was exhibiting ethnic cuisine. Nayankumar Patel, MD of Tastee Foods, was part of the East Midlands Fine Foods stall. Patel said: “Sial has been very encouraging. We have signed two major new deals.”
Julian Hunt, Sean McAllister, and Fiona McLelland report from the Sial show in Paris
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