Cirencester truffle company showcases products in Middle East

Published by

Nicky Godding

TruffleHunter, which produces award-winning truffle products from its South Cerney facility in Gloucestershire, is showcasing its products to consumers in Dubai during a Made in Britain’ promotion this week and next.

As part of a project organised by the Department for International Trade, the Food is GREAT campaign and Santander, in conjunction with The Great British Food Programme, businesses are connecting with potential customers through the Al Maya Group retailer.

John Gregson, sales director, said: “TruffleHunter is very excited to be working with Al Maya. This will be the first time that our products have been sold in the UAE and we are delighted to be partnering with a business of Al Maya’s size and prestige.”

Santander and The Great British Food Programme delivered by Business West, DIT’s regional delivery partner in the South West of England, aims to connect UK food and drink producers with international buyers seeking high quality British produce.

Al Maya Group specialises in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and has more than 50 retail stores in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The opportunity offers businesses a launch pad into exporting and educate producers about the process and requirements involved when selling to the market. Al Maya will take stock of volumes sold by the end of the promotion for consideration for future trade relationships.

According to the Food & Drink Federation, UK food and drink businesses exported £80 million worth of products to the country in the first quarter of 2020, a seven per cent increase on the same period in2019. Total spending on food and drink in the UAE is forecast to rise 6.9 per cent to £29.7 billion in 2020.

Paul Shand, DIT’s Head of Trade in the South West said: “This project is a fantastic opportunity for UK food and drink companies, who are renowned for their high-quality to showcase their products in a fast-growing market.

“COVID-19 has created hurdles for businesses, but it is through initiatives such as these that firms can become resilient to economic instabilities and grow their business through nurturing relationships with overseas buyers.”

Monika Gajek, Country Specialist for Poland, CEE, Germany, Nordics & UAE Santander UK said: “We’re proud to be involved in this initiative to support nine exciting UK food and drink producers.

“Santander UK is committed to supporting Food and Drink manufacturers and this joint programme is a great example of where our specialist expertise, combined with the reach of international networks, can help businesses on their journey to achieve international expansion.”

Nicky Godding

Nicky Godding is editor of The Business Magazine. Before her journalism career, she worked mainly in public relations moving into writing when she was invited to launch Retail Watch, a publication covering retail and real estate across Europe. After some years of constant travelling, she tucked away her passport and concentrated on business writing, co-founding a successful regional business magazine. She has interviewed some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs who have built multi-million-pound businesses and reported on many science and technology firsts. She reports on the region’s thriving business economy from start-ups, family businesses and multi-million-pound corporations, to the professionals that support their growth and the institutions that educate the next generation of business leaders.