AHDB will unveil plans to encourage more UK agri-food businesses to export at its annual Export Conference at Butchers’ Hall on June 22.
Included in the strategy are plans to utilise support from enhanced AHDB services for businesses to develop export potential, such as bespoke training and advice as well as marketing support. The aim is to increase market access and export sales through the championing of UK products overseas.
The conference will also feature AHDB and external speakers throughout the wider programme, educating delegates on the growing markets in Asia, the Americas and the Middle East.
Exports and international market development is a critical part of AHDB’s work for levy payers, already delivering a raft of key activities, working with industry stakeholders to ensure a presence at key global food trade events. This year this has included the Annual Meat Conference (AMC) in the US, Gulfood in the Middle East, SIAL China and FoodEx in Japan. More recently AHDB hosted a delegation of key buyers from Japan in a five-day mission to the UK to learn more about sustainable pork, beef and lamb production.
AHDB continues to work with industry and government to help UK exporters of red meat products maximise the opportunities available in existing and new markets. Last year, the value of red meat exports hit record levels at £1.7 billion.
Nicholas Saphir, AHDB chair, said: “AHDB’s export work includes helping to secure access to new markets, providing valuable market analysis and insight via our Market Intelligence team, and promoting the reputation of our products to foreign buyers. Importantly, with both knowledge and boots on the ground, we have a strong track record of delivering tangible results.
“Our levy payers have told us how much they value our work and want to see more of it. The development of our new export strategy is aimed at acting as a springboard for further global success for our red meat and dairy products.
“This Export Conference will provide a vital platform to present the enhanced services that AHDB will provide. Export development remains one of the cornerstones of AHDB’s work and I’m excited at how we can play our part in maximising the potential for the future – exports can help levy payers improve overall returns, while supporting the UK government’s wider ambition to become a ‘Great Trading Nation’.”