Clive Beddall, Budapest
Hungary's food and drink providers believe their "homeland Tesco experience" will prove a trump card when their country becomes a full EU member in 2004 and they chase more UK business.
Exhibiting at the country's sixth international food show here this week, suppliers told The Grocer their experience of serving the UK multiple since it entered Hungary eight years ago was a "valuable asset". Said one: "Tesco has brought a real sophistication to our market. It's taught us a lot. With 25 stores it is our biggest local chain and one we look up to."
But Hungarian suppliers know they face a tough fight for more UK business even when their products attain EU duty-free status.
However, it was clear that, encouraged by sales of their wines, the manufacturers would be going after more delicatessen trade.
One well known name, the Globus Canning Co, will be among those leading the market assault. It held a significant stake in the UK canned ham business before Britain entered the EU. Import-export director Peter Meszaros also sees scope for selling canned sweetcorn and vegetables and is seeking UK importer-distributors.
His optimism was shared by Istvan Plesztowits, foreign trade director of the Kometa Meat Group, but he added: "A lot will depend on the trading rules set by Brussels. We are in the hands of politicians."
The Budapest show attracted 27 overseas nations few exhibitors from Britain. However, the union flag was carried enthusiastically by the Heart of England Fine Foods Group in association with Trade Partners UK, who led a trade mission.
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Hungary's food and drink providers believe their "homeland Tesco experience" will prove a trump card when their country becomes a full EU member in 2004 and they chase more UK business.
Exhibiting at the country's sixth international food show here this week, suppliers told The Grocer their experience of serving the UK multiple since it entered Hungary eight years ago was a "valuable asset". Said one: "Tesco has brought a real sophistication to our market. It's taught us a lot. With 25 stores it is our biggest local chain and one we look up to."
But Hungarian suppliers know they face a tough fight for more UK business even when their products attain EU duty-free status.
However, it was clear that, encouraged by sales of their wines, the manufacturers would be going after more delicatessen trade.
One well known name, the Globus Canning Co, will be among those leading the market assault. It held a significant stake in the UK canned ham business before Britain entered the EU. Import-export director Peter Meszaros also sees scope for selling canned sweetcorn and vegetables and is seeking UK importer-distributors.
His optimism was shared by Istvan Plesztowits, foreign trade director of the Kometa Meat Group, but he added: "A lot will depend on the trading rules set by Brussels. We are in the hands of politicians."
The Budapest show attracted 27 overseas nations few exhibitors from Britain. However, the union flag was carried enthusiastically by the Heart of England Fine Foods Group in association with Trade Partners UK, who led a trade mission.
{{NEWS }}
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