Call for Cornish food and drink businesses to join virtual trade mission to the UAE

Cornwall Trade and Investment is looking for export-ready Cornish food and drink businesses to join a virtual trade mission to the United Arab Emirates next month.

The trade mission will be hosted in collaboration with OCO Global, and aims to connect businesses with the UAE’s food and beverage sector through a series of fully funded online workshops and on-going support. The sessions will be run over two days on the 24^th and 25^th of March, and will help businesses get to grips with the region and make key links with market contacts.

Nicola Lloyd, director of Cornwall Trade & Investment said “We are so excited to be offering our virtual trade mission service to the food and drink sector in Cornwall. This ‘trade without travel’ approach will help Cornish businesses promote their products in the UAE and potentially begin exporting there in the future.”

The mission is a good opportunity for businesses to take advantage of Cornwall’s strong reputation in the food and beverage industry, and the growing demand for the region’s products, particularly in the confectionary, seafood, and organic subsectors.

Cornwall is famous for its premium food and drink products, and its thriving restaurant culture, with many award-winning chefs relying on local suppliers. This trade mission is all about sharing that high-quality produce and culture with the rest of the world – with more missions to other major markets in the pipeline.

Renowned Cornwall based chef Paul Ainsworth said “Even before moving to Cornwall, I thought Cornish produce was the best of the best. I feel so fortunate to have, in my opinion, some of the world’s finest suppliers on our doorstep and to work so closely with them on a daily basis is inspiring. This virtual trade mission hosted by Cornwall Trade & Investment, will not only facilitate another route to market for many of these businesses, but will also shine a spotlight on our incredible producers and thriving food scene.”

If your business is ready to export, and you’re interested in making your debut in the UAE,  you can find further details here, including how to submit an expression of interest. Alternatively get in touch with Cornwall Trade and Investment to discuss.

*Please note places are limited to 10 businesses

Register your interest for our virtual trade mission

In collaboration with our trade services partner, OCO Global, Cornwall Trade & Investment is running a virtual trade mission to the UAE.

Are you operating in Cornwall’s food and beverage sector – and looking for your next export opportunity? If so, our virtual trade mission to the United Arab Emirates could be right for you.

What to expect?

The virtual trade mission is designed to give businesses a clear understanding of the UAE market and regulatory landscape, as well as connecting them with potential buyers and customers. The mission comprises of:

• A two-day workshop on the 24^th & 25^th March 2021 (approx. 3 hours per day)– where you’ll benefit from market advice and develop key links with potential buyers, customers, and market contacts.

• One-to-one meetings – which will include marketing support, referrals curated by OCO, and an introduction to the Department of International Trade’s in-market representatives.

• Aftercare support by CTI  – to give you everything you need to confidently continue your export journey.

How can I apply?

Any ‘export ready’ SME operating in Cornwall’s food and beverage sector can apply. The event is fully funded by de minimis state aid – but you need to be able to commit fully to the mission.

If you think this opportunity is right for you, please download, complete and return our Export Trade Support form.

Please submit this to info@cornwallti.com before midday on Monday 1st March to be considered.

* spaces limited to 10.

Wider Support Available:

Don’t worry if this opportunity isn’t right for you, there are plenty of other ways in which you can access support.

The Export Academy, from the Department for International Trade (DIT), gives small and micro-businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world with confidence.

Whether a business wants to start exporting, or is aiming to enter new markets, this programme of support can help businesses overcome many of the common challenges that small businesses can face.

Learn more, or sign up for The Export Academy South West here.