Atlantic Food Export
Atlantic Food Export is a project supported by the EU under the Atlantic Area Interreg Programme involving partners from 7 European regions. The project aims to improve competitiveness and increase exports of AA food sector SMEs primarily by encouraging business cooperation initiatives, such as export consortia. The project activities are intended to help the participating SMEs to overcome some of the barriers to internationalisation arising from their small size, structure, skill set or lack of resources. The partners are Chambre d’Agriculture de la Dordogne (France), ASINCAR (Asturias, Spain), Cámara de Comercio de Sevilla (Spain), Cámara Municipal de Vila Nova de Famalicão (Portugal), Cork City Council (Ireland), Northern Ireland Food & Drink Association (Northern Ireland), BIC Innovation (Wales).
On 31 May 2023 the Atlantic Area Food Export Project held its final face to face meeting in Bordeaux France.
The meeting was held to review the actions which had taken place over the last year of the extended project activities. 5 Export related trade missions across France, UK, Benelux, and Nordic regions.
The Project managers examined the success and hurdles experienced by the project partnership.
This is a short video overview of the meeting.
As part of the AFE project extension NIFDA undertook to deliver a trade mission to the UK based around the International Food Exhibition (IFE) SHOW IN London on 230-21-22 March 2023
All of the AFE companies received a one-to-one meetings with a range of contacts. On the final day the companies had a study tour of central London food retail stores. Visiting Fortnum and Mason, Wholefoods, Amazon Fresh as well as Borough Market. Investigating what is new in the various sectors and exploring innovation within the artisan market.
- Undertaking gap Analysis
- Benchmarking pricing and Promotions
- Taking photos of competitors Packaging
- Analysing how the store is laid out. What’s on the end space.
- Is there evidence of best practice.
Atlantic Food Export at SIAL Oct 2023
Atlantic Food Export recently exhibited at the International Sial food and beverage trade show in Paris. Taking a bit of time to show off our latest industry innovations.
SIAL Paris was a unique opportunity for our food & beverage industry professionals to reach a wide audience and showcase the latest innovations across different industries. Check out our video diary and keep in touch for more exporting exploits over the next few months.
In April AFE partner ASINCAR organised a trade mission to Brussels. Exploring the Benelux region which is full of business opportunities for Food companies.
The region offers three markets and three different cultures.
A market with high purchasing power markets, transparent and with good distribution channels.
They value quality, innovation, and respect for the environment, with the added benefit of reduced cost of prospecting, markets more easily accessible for SMEs than other markets.
In May AFE partner Famalicão City Council undertook a trade mission to Copenhagen and Malmo. With the objective of learning about the dynamics and aspects valued in the commercial daily life of the Danish and Swedish food sector.
Along with a study tour of the local food retail market there was a networking and product exhibition set up to provide the attending companies the opportunity to talk directly to buyers and distributors from the region.