UK announced as IFE 2017's partner country
The UK has been announced partner country at the International Food and Drink Event (IFE) 2017 trade show for the first time.
As partner country, the 708 UK exhibitors at the show have full government backing, and the Department for International Trade (DIT) and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) will champion the UK's food and drink at the event alongside more than 60 other exhibiting countries.
The UK will have the opportunity to showcase its food and drink to more than 29,000 of the world's leading food buyers, producers and investors attending the show 19-22 March at ExCeL London, which is organised by Fresh Montgomery.
Soraya Gadelrab, event director, said as partner country, the UK government will play a central role in supporting UK exhibitions and raising the external profile of the wider industry.
She said: "In an increasingly global market, having the support of DIT and Defra is an enormous privilege and we welcome their support."
International Trade Minister Mark Garnier said: "IFE is an important event in promoting the UK and attracting inward investment; I look forward to working with this flourishing sector and discussing how we can build on their exporting success."
Leadsom will host a 'Food is GREAT' reception to connect British suppliers with international buyers.
Over the four days, DIT will host its 'Exporting is GREAT' hub providing advice to food and drink producers looking to get their produce overseas. The DIT International Business Lounge will also host buyers looking to source and refresh their lines of UK products, discover and learn about the latest trends and network with the industry, and support UK companies the prospect of expanding their business into overseas markets.
The countdown to IFE 2017 begins >>
International Food and Drink Event announces 2017 dates >>
IFE appoints industry leaders to advisory board >>
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