Member Article

International buyers to be treated to a Yorkshire food showcase before Grand Depart IBF

International buyers from as far afield as India, Australia and the Middle East will be offered a sample of Yorkshire’s acclaimed food and drink provenance when the Grand Depart International Business Festival opens next week.

The food and drink manufacturing and processing sector is worth some £9.44 billion for Yorkshire and the Humber, and accounts for more than 52,000 jobs.

The three day event, running from 2-4 July, will showcase a range of industries where the region leads the way, with food and drink taking centre stage at ‘Le Buyer Rendezvous’ on the opening day to kick off of a bumper programme.

Leading producers from across the region will have a chance to pitch their goods to potential new customers, as well as discuss export opportunities with officials from UK Trade & Investment.

Projections indicate a further 17,000 new recruits will be needed before 2017 to strengthen the region’s position as a dominant force with a world-class reputation.

Jo McBeath from UKTI said: “The figures are staggering, yet there is still so much more potential for Yorkshire food and drink companies, which is running the business festival in tandem with Welcome to Yorkshire and partners.

“Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t have to be big to export. There is a huge demand for British produce of all kinds, and we expect this to rise after the Grand Depart.

“That’s why we are putting regional food and drink at the heart of the International Business Festival agenda, with an opportunity for producers to meet potential buyers from across Europe and beyond.”

Le Buyer Rendezvous will also attract buyers from Poland and other European countries to the Carriageworks in Leeds.

The appeal of Yorkshire produce is illustrated by the success of Harrogate-based Fodder, which will be satisfying the stomachs of scores overseas customers when Le Tour gets underway.

General manager Jane Thornber explained: “Since we opened five years ago, there has been a huge rise in interest in regional food and drink. Everything from bread, through to English wine, meat, and dairy produce.

“We now work with over 323 regional suppliers and employ 58 members of staff, with people travelling far and wide to sample what we have on offer.

“It reflects the wider international success for regional food and drink as a whole, and we’re proud to play our part as the eyes of the world focus on Leeds, Harrogate, and Sheffield in the days ahead.”

Anyone wishing to attend events like Le Grand Rendezvous should visit: www.letour.yorkshire.com/cycling-culture-and-business/international-business-festival for details and bookings.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .