Cornish tea producer Tregothnan was given an opportunity to break into the Australian market today, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson handed a bespoke hamper filled with food and drink products to the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The event aimed to showcase well-known, high quality Great British food and drink brands who are set to benefit from a free trade agreement with Australia, which as announced today (June 15).
The hamper was set up as part of the Great British Food Programme, an initiative delivered by Business West to support UK food & drink producers to engage with international buyers across the world with events, workshops, and an online directory.
Since November 2019, The Great British Food Programme has successfully shipped 68 Great British Food Boxes to a host of trusted buyers around the globe; containing products from 246 UK food and drink producers.
Tregothnan commercial director Greg Springer said: “Tregothnan has been pleased and proud to be a part of the Great British Food Programme as it has helped showcase our English grown tea to markets across the globe.
“It is never too early (or too late) to think about export. As soon as you have a product you are happy to sell online, or to put in a shop in the next town over – you are ready to export.”
James Monk, director of commercial services at Business West, added: “UK food and drink companies are recognised for their quality across the world and The Great British Food Programme is a way for these businesses to showcase their products to overseas customers.
“The total value of goods exported from the south west to Australia in 2020 amounted to £238 million, accounting for 5.9% of total exports to the market, showing the strong existing demand.
“We will be working with businesses to help grow exports even further and I would encourage food and drink firms big and small to sign up to the Great British Food Programme to help them grow their international business in a lucrative market.”
