Moscow show stops for tea!
Exhibitors took time out at the World Food Moscow Expo and joined UK Environment and Food Minister Owen Paterson for a cup of tea.
They were marking a very British tradition at the show where the Minister earlier took part in the official opening of what is the largest international food and drink exhibition in Russia. It has attracted more than 1000 exhibitors from 64 countries worldwide.
With UK food and drink exports to Russia up by over 220 per cent since 2000 - now worth more than £120 million – the UK companies need no convincing of the huge potential for them to do more.
The Minister began the first day of his three-day trade mission to Russia by chairing a meeting with UK companies working in the Russian environmental sector. He heard how UK expertise in sustainability and natural resources is being embraced in Russia, and how business opportunities are being seized.
After the opening he met all the UK companies present at the exhibition and spent time at all of their stands. The are competing for a bigger slice of the lucrative Russian market for quality British food and drink and represent the largest such delegation to visit Russia in recent years.
The Minister said he was impressed by the fantastic range of ‘Great’ British food on offer, from confectionery to tea, cheese to smoked salmon, and by the attitude of the businesses he met. He said they were aware of the market potential, passionate about their products and were grasping the opportunity to trade with both hands.
More details here - Owen Paterson heads to Russia to help boost British exports.