Why export?

The argument for exporting is compelling. Companies can benefit from the greater scale of international markets, and the opportunity to spread their risk.

There are many pressures facing food and drink manufacturers today. Decreasing margins, consolidation in the retail sector and cheap imports all create challenges for UK suppliers. Export opens new markets and allows UK companies to meet the competition on its own territory.

Developing new markets is just as important as developing new products.

The benefits of exporting include:

• Potential for increased sales
  UK consumers spend around £153bn on food and drink. The world market in total is around £1,800bn. FFB can help you to increase your sales in thirty of the largest international markets.
• Higher profits
  Products can find their niche and reach new levels of popularity. One example is the UK's top export product - whisky - which consistently commands higher unit prices overseas than at home. Some companies offer special export packaging and varieties: in South Korea it’s popular to mix whisky with green tea, making a ready-mixed packaged drink a successful innovation.
• Diversified markets can reduce risk
  Putting all your eggs in one basket can expose companies to more risk, but by trading in a number of markets manufacturers can reduce their exposure to economic downturns in any one market.

• Enhanced domestic competitiveness
  To be successful in overseas markets it takes determination and commitment to overcome the challenges involved. Often the knowledge acquired from this experience helps manufacturers become more innovative and competitive back in the UK. Studies have also linked exporting with enhanced staff salaries, better job security and long-term security.

Having said all of this, you can’t simply assume that your successful UK product will start selling in an international market. It’s not just a question of differing tastes - there are unique labelling and regulatory requirements in each market.

Find out how we can help you to build your exports and then speak to our client development team by emailing clientdevelopment@foodfrombritain.com or calling Richard Sainter on 020 7468 8586.

You can also try our quick ‘Am I fit to export?’ quiz to find out if exporting is right for your business, or read about some of the opportunities that UK producers have exploited in our success stories.