Agri-Food and Beverage to the United Kingdom

Eligible businesses can apply for free support to export premium food and beverages to the UK. Applications have closed.

Program dates

December 2021 to June 2022

Key event

A business-matching event or showcase event to be advised

Why this market

NSW businesses have an opportunity to capture a much larger share of the UK market on the back of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade AgreementExternal Link. Brexit also presents fresh opportunities for NSW exporters to develop relationships with UK partners now looking for trade beyond the EU.

Over half of the UK’s food needs are imported. The UK is an untapped market with a massive consumer base of over 70 million potential customers. The UK is also one of the world’s largest e-commerce markets and consumers are eager to try unique products from NSW.

With high-quality and sustainable products, backed by a strong regulatory environment, NSW is well placed to meet the UK’s increasing appetite for premium produce.

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

Have headquarters in NSW
Be export-capable and export-ready
Have between 3 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
Have a valid ABN (Australian Business Number) registered for NSW
Have a commercial product or service
Have a website featuring the product or service (marketing and promotional costs might be reimbursed through the NSW Export Assistance GrantExternal Link)
Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the market
Have a product or service that is produced primarily in NSW
Be willing to travel to Sydney for events and to the selected market (where and when COVID-19 restrictions permit travel), and must cover their own travel expenses
Not be considered a trader (meaning the Program is for businesses that produce and add value in NSW)

Additional eligibility requirements for this stream

Already exporting to at least 1 overseas market
The product or service has already been tailored for this market

The ideal participant

Committed to pursuing opportunities in the UK
Potential to leverage emerging
Free Trade Agreement benefits
- Tariff reduction on food and wine products
- Simplified customs procedures
- Efficient rules of origin processes
Ideal product categories
- Premium processed food and beverage
- Native ingredients, health and wellbeing
- Wine, beer and spirits

Businesses not eligible for this stream

New exporters
Services businesses

Curriculum

Introductory sessions

Welcome and introductions, program overview

Market intelligence briefings and cultural training

UK market briefing, Free Trade Agreement information and subsector-specific information
UK business etiquette and negotiation principles
Introduction to UK food and beverage ecosystem and channels to market
UK regulatory requirements including customs, phytosanitary and labelling

Pitch training and market approach

Pitch training and pitch deck presentation development for buyers, distributors and retailers
PR, marketing and brand strategy
Assistance to develop and implement market entry strategies

Business matching

Potential business partner searches and introductions
Network introductions within the UK food and beverage ecosystem
Virtual participation at a UK-based event

Mentoring

Mentoring from an industry leader throughout the program
Export workshops (optional)
Intellectual property protection
Advanced exporter training
Freight, logistics and compliance
E-commerce