Food Export International

5 years ago today I set up Food Export International alongside business partner, friend and golf coach Daniel Crowe (He’s been solid at the first two, rubbish on the golf front). The goals we set out back in 2019 remain the same today; to make a measurable difference to the export turnover of some of the UKs most exciting food and drink brands. It’s been a journey. Brexit, COVID, supply chain issues, inflation, conflict and more supply chain issues have all given us "plenty of laughs” as we’ve navigated, pivoted and grown our business throughout the past 5 years. Not every project has been a success and there have been plenty of learnings along the way but core to our promise with each brand is to show transparency, honesty and effectively communicate progress (or lack of!) every step of the way. This is, and will always be - our guiding principle. We're feeling bullish about the future as we continue to grow our network worldwide, sell multiple brands to the same importer(s) who trust us to present quality UK products, invest in trade shows, develop our experience in new channels and work closely with our brands to develop product lines that will resonate in export. We’ll be the first to admit though that we’re not there yet and there is so much more to do for all of the brands who have trusted us. Special mention to everyone who have been with us throughout and particularly those brands who have been with us for the entire journey. To the next 5 years! #exportingisgreat #FEI

The ANZ Roadshow concluded in Dundee yesterday! After six cities in two weeks, yesterday we were in Dundee offering Scottish Food and Drink companies the opportunity to hear about our Free Trade Agreements with Australia and New Zealand, and how these might help them grow their exports to these markets. After hearing from Iseabail Mactaggart and The Right Honourable David Mundell MP, our ANZ colleagues Richard Cowin and Louella Pitt gave a great overview of food and drink opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, with insights and upcoming events in the food and drink sector. Scottish companies then had the chance to hear about the support that exists for them from Steven Walker and Carl Gardiner from Scottish Development International, followed by a "journey to market" panel session including Scotland Food & Drink Joe Hind, Emily Roads of Scotch Whisky Association and Daniel Crowe from Food Export International. Cat Hay of The Food and Drink Federation then hosted an interactive chat with Malcolm Offord to round off the day. A huge thank you to all of our partners above for making this day a success, and to all of the participants who made for a fun and lively afternoon! #TradingTogether #AUKFTA #NZUKFTA

Getting your timing right in export is critical. A couple of days delay may not seem much but for an export customer it can mean an order missing it's intended vessels cut off point and subsequently missing out on key promotional activity. Delighted that the whole team at Duncans worked hard to get our first orders sent out to Japan on time for a host of British themed promotions in Isetan, Hankyu and Granduo across the months of October and November. A huge thanks to our crucial partner in Japan for their wonderful execution!