Food and Beverage to the United Kingdom

Program Dates

November 2024 to March 2025.

Key Event

International Food & Drink Event (IFE)External Link, 17-19 March 2025 

In-person attendance at the event is required. 

Why this market

The United Kingdom (UK) is one of NSW’s oldest and closely valued international trading partners. We share a common language, close cultural ties and similar business landscapes.

In the UK, NSW enjoys a reputation for high-quality, sustainable produce with a robust regulatory framework, which is appealing to UK consumers and retailers. These characteristics, combined with the UK’s ambitions to diversify supply chains beyond Europe, are driving strong demand for NSW food and beverage products. NSW’s agrifood exports to the UK increased 18% last year and the UK grocery market is projected to reach a market value of A$470bn by 2027.

The Australia-UK free trade agreement came into effect in May 2023, further amplifying the opportunities for NSW in the market. It eliminates 99% of tariffs on our exports and is especially pertinent for Australian food and beverage exporters due to the reduction in costs and simplified processes.

While the industry is increasingly digitalising and technology is driving transformation, in-store purchases in the major supermarkets still dominate consumer spending. Customers value sustainability, health  and eco-friendly practices.

While the market is competitive, it offers ample opportunity for differentiated products with proven success, to succeed.

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

• Have headquarters in NSW
• Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW 
• Be export-capable and export-ready 
• Have an employee number between 5 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees 
• The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW
• The product or service is achieving sales already
• Have a website featuring the product or service
• Be prepared to adapt the product or service for market expansion
• Be flexible regarding market-entry method
• Have resources to support marketing and development for market expansion
• Be willing to travel to the selected market for events, and must cover own travel expenses

Note: This program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their own brand. This program is not for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters

Additional eligibility requirements for this stream

• Trademark registration for the United Kingdom, or ability to complete registration before 1 December 2024
• Product registration for the United Kingdom, or ability to complete registration before 1 December 2024

The ideal participant  

• Established domestic market success
• Previous export experience or demonstrated capacity to be competitive in the UK market
• Sufficiently resourced to travel and visit the United Kingdom
• Can verify market access for their product
• Ability to significantly scale up production

Ideal product categories 

• Red meat, wine, beer, spirits and packaged foods
• Innovative food and beverage products in retail ready packaging
• Products with strong Unique Selling Proposition and attractive labelling

Products not eligible for this stream

• Products that do not meet UK regulatory requirements
• Products containing pork

Note: Plant, or non-dairy beverages that claim to be “Milk” will require relabelling.

Applicants who have not previously participated in a Going Global Export Program to the UK in the past 12 months will be given priority.

Curriculum

Introductory sessions 

• Welcome session – around early November 2024.
• Introduction to the food and beverage ecosystem and doing business in the United Kingdom (UK).
• Access to factsheets and Intellectual Property briefings developed exclusively for Going Global participants.

Market intelligence briefing and cultural training 

• Market briefing and sector-specific opportunities.
• Market specific business culture/business preparedness briefing.  
• Regulatory requirements and Intellectual property protection.
• E-commerce in the UK.

Pitch training and development

• Identify the most suitable UK customers.
• Pitch development – refining marketing and value proposition.

Potential partner search and introductions

• In-person participation at IFE with In-market assistance.
• Identification of potential partners.

Ongoing advice and follow up

• Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser.

*Note: Final dates are to be confirmed and the curriculum is subject to change

How to Apply

Apply now

Applications open on Friday, 20 September 2024, and close on Sunday, 13 October 2024.