Welsh food and drink companies are preparing to attend one of the world’s largest food innovation exhibitors in Paris, France this weekend (October 15-19).
The five-day long Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) fair is a biennial event that has become a front-line event of the food and drink industry.
The trade show is dedicated to agri-food, food retail and institutional and commercial catering, as well as offering access to the latest trends and innovations.
SIAL expects to have over 6,500 exhibitors from 105 countries and is seen as a key platform for the food and drink sector to promote their produce to a range of buyers.
Supported by the Welsh government, the Cymru/Wales delegation from across the sector will attend the event with the hopes of discovering new ideas and developing links with overseas buyers.
The eight Welsh food and drink companies attending with support from the Welsh government include:
- Hilltop Honey;
- Moose Maple UK Ltd;
- Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits;
- Ferrari’s Coffee;
- Tŷ Nant Natural Mineral Water;
- The Lobster Pot;
- Evan Evans; and
- Cwmfarm Charcuterie Products.
Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, Lesley Griffiths, said: “Welsh government support is important in helping our food and drink producers to attend events such as SIAL.
“This provides them with an excellent opportunity to interact directly with buyers and distributors and showcase the very best produce from Wales.”
“We have seen significant growth and a rising industry profile over the previous decade thanks in no small part to government and the sector working together.
“I wish everyone attending SIAL a very successful event,” she said.
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) chief executive Gwyn Howells said the HCC is delighted to be returning to SIAL to showcase PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef on a global stage.
“Export markets are vitally important to the Welsh red meat sector and we look forward to meeting up with regular customers and connecting with new ones at this year’s event whilst highlighting the distinctive and sustainable qualities of red meat produced here in Wales,” he said
Welsh companies at SIAL
The Lobster Pot
The Lobster Pot, an award-winning global supplier of sustainably sourced shellfish, will attend SIAL for the first time this year.
The Lobster Pot has been operating for 70 years and is run by Tristan Wood, the third generation of the Wilson family at Church Bay on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales.
Speaking on The Lobster Pot’s attendance at SIAL, Wood said: “We want to continue trading with our traditional customers, some of whom we’ve been trading with for over 50 years. We would also like to demonstrate our innovative nature in meeting the demands of new customers.
“It is the first time we have exhibited at SIAL Paris and we look forward to meeting potential buyers.”
Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits
Another company attending, Cradoc’s Savoury Biscuits, is putting its focus on food service.
Owner and manager Allie Thomas said that the main issue for the company is creating an eating occasion which will make meaningful sense to buyers from all over the world.
“The French in particular traditionally pair cheese with bread, not crackers,” she said.
“Therefore, we aim to provide some stunning canapé samples with finely sliced vegetables and fermented pickles, a little charcuterie and Welsh cheese with our range of crackers.
“Exploring preferences and tastes for our range and markets for food service or retail and potentially wholesale is our intention and our end-game.”
Tŷ Nant Natural Mineral Water
Located in the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains, the award-winning Tŷ Nant Natural Mineral Water will also be attending SIAL.
Bobby Nanua, director of the company, said: “The team at Tŷ Nant Natural Mineral Water are extremely excited to be returning to SIAL this year with the Welsh government.
“With a large international presence, we are looking forward forward to meeting up with our existing clients and to have the chance to introduce our great brands to many new businesses.”
Maple Moose Butter
Maple Moose Butter has been made at a family owned and operated butter production facility in Carmarthenshire for the past four years.
The butter, which doubles as both a cooking and baking ingredient, is known for its unique taste.
Founder of the company, Farrah, said that she hopes SIAL will open up opportunities for promotion of Moose Maple Butter to global markets.
“We are currently exporting to South Korea with great success and are looking to expand into further countries including Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong and the USA with other export partners,” she said.
