Food and drink distributor to increase exports with Middle East expansion
Premcrest, the Bradford-based food and drink distributor, is set to capitalise on the growth in the global health foods and wellness markets by expanding into the Middle East.
The business, which distributes food and drink for brands including Nākd and Popchips, has increased its overseas sales since 2015 to now make up 10% of its overall revenue.
Premcrest has said it is expecting that this figure to rise further, as the global health food and wellness market is set to grow by $681bn between now and 2022.
The business is currently in talks with Middle East distributors after making contacts at Gulfood, the world’s largest food and drink trade show, in February 2018.
Premcrest attended Gulfood as part of a Northern Powerhouse delegation with support from the Food is GREAT campaign, the UK government’s cross department initiative to showcase food and drink overseas by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Department for International Trade (DIT).
Premcrest has secured customers in markets including China, Hong Kong, France, Germany and Spain and recently shipped £1,200 worth of health foods to a customer in Bulgaria.
Mo Zafir, general manager at Premcrest, said: “UK manufacturers are at the forefront of the global health food sector. These brands are not only recognised for their innovation and quality from overseas buyers, but for their increasingly ecological approach to packaging – with retailers and consumers striving to reduce plastic waste.
“Following success in Europe and the Far East, the Middle East presents the next big opportunity for us. Working alongside ITAs, we’re confident that we can make this a success.
“Defra and DIT’s support has paid dividends, from helping us to build our contacts to advising on paperwork. With the abundance of exporting expertise available, I’d urge other Bradford firms thinking about exporting, or building on their strategy, to get help today. If we can do it, you can too.”
Mark Robson, head of region – Yorkshire and the Humber, at DIT, added: “Exports of Yorkshire food and drink to Middle East markets are growing fast – almost tripling to Qatar year-on-year, and growing by 25% to the UAE in the year to September 2018. Meanwhile, the wellness market globally is expected to soar in the next few years.
“These factors together create a great opportunity. The quality of UK ingredients really gives domestic manufacturers a competitive edge in overseas markets, and firms like Premcrest are taking advantage of this. We have 29 International Trade Advisers dedicated to helping Yorkshire firms to start, and develop, their export journey.”
