San Franciso mission for food firms

SMALL food and drink manufacturers are being given the opportunity to join a major annual international show.

UK Trade & Investment is running a market visit to Winter Fancy Food 2013, which takes place in San Francisco next month.

Thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), novice exporters can apply for a financial help of £500 towards travel costs.

Winter Fancy Food attacts more than 17,000 visitors, where 80,000 products are showcased by 1,300 exhibitors from more than 35 countries.

The event offers opportunities to find new connections, discover new products and identify the ‘hot’ trends in the market.

Carol Wilson, a sector specialist working with UKTI in the region and leading the trip to San Francisco said: “There is tremendous interest in British food in the US and this trip will be really useful for those companies who want to find out more about the opportunities there.

“Businesses we have seen do well are those with a heritage, such as Uncle Joe’s Mintballs and Lancashire eccles cakes.  Increasingly we are seeing demand for organic and healthy options too.”

Those joining the UK market visit will be able to attend a programme of events arranged by the teams in San Francisco and the North West, including a store tour visiting a variety of large and small delis, a networking reception with invited buyers and distributors, a market report and advice and support.

The programme package will cost £300 inc VAT and includes admission to Winter Fancy Food, but not travel and accommodation costs.