FOOD AND DRINK PRODUCERS INVITED TO JOIN DUTCH TRADE SHOW
Norfolk and Suffolk food and drink businesses are invited to exhibit at the largest hospitality trade show in the Netherlands, Horecava, in January 2019 with the backing of inward investment representatives of The East.
This will be the first time that any UK business will be present at the major Dutch fair for food and drink producers and catering professionals. Small to medium-sized businesses can showcase their products to Dutch buyers and have a premium opportunity to do business in a new major market.
The trade show attracts more than 600 exhibiting companies and nearly 66,000 visitors in search of leads, business contacts, new products and trends. It will be held from 7 to 10 January 2019 at the Amsterdam RAI.
The East’s food and drink trade mission is led by Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council, the Department of International trade (DIT), New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce.
Businesses can take a subsidised spot on the 105m2 stand from ‘The East – Food and Drink Pavilion’. From £500 per position, stand holders will benefit from:
Business support from the DIT during and in the lead up to the expo
New Anglia Growth Hub support, including grants, efficiency, coaching and tax advice
Position on The East’s Food and Drink Pavilion stand with company branding
One exhibitor pass to the exhibition
Publicity during and in the lead up to the Horecava expo
Support and briefing ahead of the fair
Invitation to ‘The East’s reception.
Confirmed stand holders so far include: Yare Valley Oils, Bullards Gin, James White Drinks, Essence Monty’s Foods, Quickfill, Paddy & Scotts, Taste of Suffolk, Algy’s Popcorn, Nova Farina, Giffords Hall Vineyard and Stokes Sauces.
Alan Pain, Head of Operations – Southern England Region at the Department for International Trade, said: “We’re delighted to work in partnership with colleagues at the LEP, and Norfolk and Suffolk Councils to bring real benefits to local businesses. The Department for International Trade recognises Norfolk and Suffolk’s key growth economies and we’re pleased to help expand this growth to overseas markets.”
Doug Field, Chair of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Norfolk and Suffolk have excellent food and drink businesses which can take the Dutch market by storm. The businesses here have it all: deep knowledge and experience of food and drink production, innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. This delegation from the East of England will have first mover advantage to enter the Dutch market via this route with great professional and financial support.”
Cllr Barry Stone, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Business and Property Committee, said: “Exhibiting at Horecava follows the success of September’s Local Flavours event, and in particular the ‘Meet the Buyer’ session attended by several Dutch buyers. We felt it was important to build on the relationships already formed to help open up more routes to market in The Netherlands for our area’s food and drink producers.”
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “This is a great opportunity for Norfolk and Suffolk food and drink businesses to showcase the huge range of top-quality goods that are produced in our region. Both counties have a strong artisan culture of niche food producers as well as nationally known brands, by attending Horecava 2019 there is real prospect for our local companies to develop trade links with the Netherlands and beyond.”
How to get involved
The subsidised stand positions are aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises while larger companies have an opportunity to sponsor the stand. Contact Robert Ediker from The Lively Crew at robert@thelivelycrew.co.uk or on 01603 702374 about securing a stand position or sponsorship.
