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Gloucestershire hosts international food and drink tour
01 October 2009
International representatives from UK Trade & Investment
(UKTI) arrive in Gloucestershire today (Thursday October 1) to see
first-hand the county's expertise in the food and drink sector.
Organised by the South West RDA and Gloucestershire First, the
tour will allow the representatives to find out more about
Gloucestershire food and drink companies so that they can promote
the county as a place for overseas investment once they return to
their posts abroad.
The representatives have travelled from nine countries including
Japan, Denmark, South Africa, India, USA, Italy and Mexico and the
10-day tour will also include visits to companies from London,
Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire.
UKTI is a government organisation that helps businesses from
abroad locate in the UK and also helps UK businesses grow
internationally so this tour will raise the profile of
Gloucestershire's expertise in this sector, helping to drive
interest from businesses based overseas.
The Gloucestershire tour starts today with a visit to Campden
BRI, the internationally renowned food and drink research facility
in Chipping Campden, followed by a visit to Bottlegreen in South
Woodchester.
On Friday October 2, the group will visit Unilever in Gloucester
followed by Three Choirs Vineyard in Newent.
Denise Blackmore, food and drink adviser at the South West RDA,
said: "This is the largest UKTI overseas tour we have ever
organised for the food and drink sector in Gloucestershire. The
programme is a fantastic showcase of companies in the county and
demonstrates the diversity of the sector here, ranging from local
food specialists to major multinationals.
"The tour will demonstrate that Gloucestershire has the right
infrastructure, business support network and relevant skills for
food and drinks companies based overseas looking to move or expand
into the UK."
Thomas Shaw, managing director at Three Choirs Vineyard, said:
"People might not automatically associate Gloucestershire with
wine-making so it's exciting to have the opportunity to showcase
the quality of the produce here and create stronger ties with
international markets."
Notes to editors
1) The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It
works in partnership with public, private and social purpose
organisations to drive up the region's productivity by giving
people the skills they need, encouraging enterprise, improving
infrastructure, regenerating places, and promoting the strengths of
the region.
Contact Details
Name Sue Amiel
Tel 0117 944 1415
Email samiel@spiritpublicrelations.co.uk