UK exports to Singapore soar as Britain comes to Food & Hotel Asia

UK food and drink exports to Singapore in 2007 rose by 81% on 2006 figures, according to the latest figures from market development consultancy Food from Britain (FFB), while exports to Malaysia grew by 38% and Vietnam by 116%.
Seven British food and drink companies have the booming ASEAN market in their sights as they exhibit with FFB’s British pavilion at the Food & Hotel Asia Singapore exhibition on 22-25 April.

The seven exhibitors on the British pavilion at Food & Hotel Asia Singapore, together with three companies presenting their products in FFB’s Showcase, will be demonstrating the quality British produce which appeals to the appetite of the Asian buyers. Products such as organic biscuits, smoked Scottish salmon and artisan cheeses will be available to buyers.

Following the lifting by the Singaporean authorities of the import restrictions on British pork and mutton on 12 March, visitors to the show will also have the opportunity to re-acquaint themselves with top-quality British meat. The Meat and Livestock Commission stand in Hall 3, stand 3J4-8, will be preparing samples of British sausages, pork and lamb products for buyers to taste during the show.

Ruth O’Connor, Development Markets Executive at Food from Britain, comments that the market is ripe for development: “British products go down very well in the Asia Pacific region, where their innovation and high quality is recognised and valued. Notwithstanding the huge market for Scotch whisky, we saw a 33% increase in exports of breakfast cereals to Thailand (now standing at £1.5m), a 118% increase in exports of chocolate to Malaysia (now standing at £0.7m) and a 147% growth in vodka exports to Singapore. The ASEAN region is rapidly becoming a developed market and Singapore - combined with Malaysia and Brunei - are markets that are open and accepting of UK products. I am confident that the exhibitors at Food & Hotel Asia Singapore will build upon this growth.”

To coincide with Food & Hotel Asia, Food from Britain, in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment, have organised an English Afternoon Tea promotion at The Regent Hotel lobby lounge. British tea, biscuits and other traditional British favourites will be served from the 18 April to 18 May.

Food from Britain will have a stand on the British pavilion in Hall 3, stand number 3J4-3.

ENDS

Notes for editors
4 The companies exhibiting at Food & Hotel Asia are:
4.3 Gourmet's Choice Ltd – fresh Scottish salmon and smoked Scottish salmon
4.4 Meat & Livestock Commission – lamb and pork
4.5 Artisan Biscuits Ltd – sweet biscuits and savoury crackers
4.6 The Fine Cheese Co. – artisan cheese
4.7 Alan Courtenay Ltd – beer dispensing equipment
4.8 Duchy Originals – preserves, sauces, sweet and savoury biscuits, crisps, cordials, tea
4.9 Prestat Fine Chocolates - chocolates
4.10 Speyside Glenlivet Mineral Water Co. Ltd – mineral water

5 The British pavilion companies showcasing products are:
5.3 Thorncroft Ltd – healthy drinks and cordials
5.4 Britvic International Plc – soft drinks
5.5 Finest Flavours Ltd – sauces, preserves, confectionery, coffee

For more information contact Lizzy Hawkins on ehawkins@foodfrombritain.co.uk or +44(0)20 7468 8581.

01 April 2008