Member Article

UKTI to send 13 South East businesses on Milan trade mission

Thirteen food and drink companies that represent the Best of British in the South East are set to head to Milan this May, with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

The companies, which range from chocolate-makers to a wine producer will be showcasing their products to a global audience during the world expo in Milan, after winning UKTI’s Taste of the South East competition.

The companies won the places on the Milan insight trip after a competitive pitch to a panel of international trade experts in Guildford last week, to explain how they represent the Best of British in the South East.

Export Chief Lewis Scott, Regional Director for UKTI South East, was on the judging panel. He said: “The entries in this competition really demonstrated the depth and breadth of produce available from across the South East region and revealed a great mix of traditional and innovative food and drink companies.

“The companies we are taking to Milan stood out due to their drive and global aspirations.

“Our region has a strong reputation for products which epitomise the quality associated with the ‘Best of British’ and these companies will be strong advocates for the region.

“The South East is renowned for its thriving food and drink sector. It creates jobs and prosperity. This sector plays a vital role in sustaining the UK’s economy and will continue to play a major part in its recovery. The entries this year demonstrate the exceptional pedigree of the region’s food and drink producers, with our winners representing the quality across the region.

“Exporting helps firms to sustain their business and grow, which is why I would urge all companies to take advantage of the support and opportunities UKTI offers to boost overseas success.”

The winning companies who will be heading on the insight trip are:

Kent

Rochester-based growers of apples and pears, AC Goatham & Son. The company have been growing British apples and pears since 1947 and are still owned and run every day by the same family.

Ramsgate producers of Kent Crisps and Kentish Oils, AMC Foods Ltd.

Chapel Down, Tenterden, which offers a world-class range of sparkling and still wines, together with an award-winning range of curious beer and cider.

Surrey

Clipper Teas (Wessanen) based in Camberley. They offer a range of hot drink products including tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

Creative Nature, based in West Molesey, is an innovative, ethical young superfood company providing truly healthy, yet tasty and affordable powders, wholefoods and snack bars.

Silent Pool Distillers, is a craft distilling company focussed on the production of artisan spirits. The distillery produces a range of gins, vodkas, liqueurs and whiskies.

West Sussex

Hepworth & Company Brewers Ltd Horsham, West Sussex, brew high quality ale, lagers and stouts from locally grown ingredients using traditional methods, and without preservatives or additives.

Montezuma’s Chocolates - Montezuma’s was created out of a passion for great quality chocolate and a desire to bring innovative chocolate to the high street at an affordable price. Montezuma’s manufacture all their own products in West Sussex.

Isle of Wight

Island Brewery, is a traditional brewery, producing traditional British ales, using only traditional, historical ingredients.

Hampshire

Jenkyn Place Vineyard is a family owned and run vineyard on the North Downs in Hampshire. It produces award winning English sparkling wines.

Schokolat is a British manufacturer of innovative and fun novelty chocolate products. Over 30 authentic looking chocolate tools, celebration items and sports/hobby gifts are available and all handmade from finest chocolate.

Berkshire

Reading-based Moo Free Limited, a manufacturer of gluten free and dairy free chocolate products. The company was founded at the end of 2010 by husband and wife team Mike & Andrea Jessop.

East Sussex

Ridgeview Wine Estate is a family run producer of traditional method sparkling wines from traditional grape varieties grown mainly in Sussex (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier).

The companies will head to Milan on 5 May on the insight visit. They will receive admission to the Tutto Food exhibition and Expo Milano.

They will also have the opportunity for one-to-one meetings, market briefings with overseas experts and intensive support and guidance from a UKTI South East International sector adviser.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .