After Brexit, the UK government promoted opportunities for food and drink exporters, especially targeting Asia due to its rising incomes and growing appetite for Western food.
However, British food is still trailing behind European counterparts in terms of sales and reputation. At a leading food and drink trade show in Singapore, European countries, especially Italy, use food exports as a form of diplomacy, promoting their culinary traditions. British exporters face challenges due to the long-standing dominance of countries like France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Despite efforts to market British products, exports to Asia remain a small fraction compared to the EU. UK suppliers do not receive government grants to attend trade shows, making it difficult to compete with other countries that are better funded. British producers must get creative to build their reputation, a process that takes time. The government has hosted events to boost demand, but the lack of financial support for suppliers hinders their ability to make a significant impact.
Vocabulary:
• Exporters: People or companies that sell goods to other countries.
• Gastronomy: The practice or art of choosing, cooking, and eating good food.
• Diplomacy: The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations.
• Culinary: Related to cooking or kitchens.
• Grass-fed: Animals that have eaten grass rather than grains.
• Grants: Sums of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose.
• Reputation: The beliefs or opinions generally held about someone or something.
Source: BBC News