All That Glitters is Welsh

Brexit presents new opportunities for food producers from Wales at Gulfood

Dubai, UAE, March 2, 2017:  From famous lamb, to meat alternatives or gold-flaked marmalade, food producers from Wales are out in force at Gulfood 2017 to show what they can offer the world as they prepare for business post-Brexit.

With Britain preparing to leave the European Union in the coming months, UK businesses are seeking to explore new opportunities. The UAE is already a key market for Welsh food and beverage producers, but with 80 per cent of exports currently going to the EU, Gulfood represents something of a new dawn.
More than 25 Welsh companies are present at the show and Lesley Griffiths, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs was at the Dubai World Trade Centre exhibition to offer her support and explore new supply routes.

Griffiths chatted with exhibitors and took time out to sample the 23ct Gold-leaf marmalade from Radnor Preserves.  “We’ve seen significant growth in Welsh food and drink exports to this region, since 2013,” Griffiths said.

‘Gulfood continues to be an important event for us and chatting with the exhibitors this week they have had some good discussions and made good contacts. Brexit will undoubtedly bring opportunities for Welsh companies to explore new opportunities.”

One Welsh brand looking to capitalise on the world’s largest annual food and beverage exhibition is Meat the Alternative, which is already in the Bahrain market. Its products, including burgers, beef-style mince and meatballs, are made from soya and offer a high-protein sustainable alternative to meat.

“With the focus now very much now on sustainability shifting trends, with consumers now seeking healthy alternatives we believe we offer the perfect product,” said Alison Compitus, Export Manager for Meat the Alternative. “It’s high in protein and contains the 9 essential amino acids. It’s suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters.”