Key target markets and export strategies for the UK’s agri-food sector were shared with a delegation of government officials from overseas last week.

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Trade and investment officers from the Department for International Trade (DIT) were told about the many challenges and opportunities of exporting during their visit to the AHDB headquarters in Warwickshire.

They were given an overview of investment and trade leads in various countries and heard how AHDB and industry can work with government to exploit those opportunities.

The visit was part of a ‘Delivering through Sector Knowledge’ programme which aims to help commercial officers at DIT understand the dynamics of AHDB and other industry partners when it comes to exporting.

Delegates heard from AHDB Senior Export Manager Susana Morris who focused on the opportunities of exporting red meat to Canada and the USA. While AHDB’s Head of Asia Pacific Jonathan Eckley spoke about his work in the Far East.

AHDB Consumer Insight Manager Steven Evans gave a presentation on the latest Horizon report – International Consumer Buying Behaviour, which essentially looks at what overseas customers want from UK products.

And delegates were given an overview of the work being done by AHDB to gain market access for the country’s wheat exports.

AHDB International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley said: “This visit was extremely important as it allowed AHDB to share its research and knowledge of specific regions and countries with DIT colleagues, with the overall aim of growing our export markets.

“This delivering sector knowledge programme allows trade and investment officers to learn more about our work around exports and better understand the UK’s offering in a bid to sell our products on a global platform.”

DIT Regional Director Sue Bishop added: “AHDB is one of our key industry stakeholders and have provided commercial officers with valuable intelligence on the categories AHDB support and the access issues the industry faces overseas.

“The visit has helped to further enhance our relationship as we work together to deliver HMG’s export strategy. I would like to thank Dr Phil Hadley and his colleagues for hosting our DIT delegation.”