Yorkshire food and drink businesses land in Dubai for exporting boost

A total of 17 Yorkshire food and drink businesses have been exhibiting as part of a Northern Powerhouse delegation at the world’s largest annual food trade show in Dubai (18-22 February).

Firms including Harrogate Spring Water, Seabrook Crisps and The Ice Co travelled to Gulfood to showcase Yorkshire-made products to buyers from around the world.

The trade mission was organised as part of the Food is GREAT campaign, the UK Government’s cross-department initiative with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for International Trade (DIT).

The five-day international exhibition attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and features 5,000 food and drink exhibitors from around the world.

Cryer & Stott, the Castleford-based family-run cheesemonger, was one of the Yorkshire and Humber producers attending as part of the trade mission.

Richard Holmes, managing director at Cryer & Stott, said: “We were blown away by the reception to our cheeses at Gulfood - it really goes to show how revered British cheese is overseas.

“For us, attending the event was invaluable because we learned a lot more about exporting and made really useful contacts. There’s so much opportunity to export British produce, but it’s really important that firms do all the research they can and seek guidance to make the most success out of it that they can.

“Help from DIT has been instrumental in our export journey. While there were a few challenges to overcome, if we can do it, so can other businesses like us.”

Mark Robson, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at the Department for International Trade, added: “Over the past 10 years, global demand for British produce has grown significantly, with food and drink exports now worth more than £22bn. This international demand presents an excellent opportunity for food and drink firms across Yorkshire.

“There’s an abundance of Yorkshire producers of all sizes that have already taken the leap to sell abroad, including crisp makers, brewers, pie makers, cheesemongers and more.

“Our 29 dedicated Yorkshire and the Humber International Trade Advisers are on hand to help firms navigate the challenges exporting may throw at them.”