The number of Welsh companies keen to export is increasing, as the Food & Drink Wales Export Club surpasses the 100-member milestone.
Supported by the Welsh Government, the club brings businesses in the sector together as they look to export more produce and tap into new markets. The Export Club was formed in 2016 and has seen a 56% rise in applications since March 2020.
Over the last year, more than 30 online events have taken place through the club along with virtual visits to 12 markets around the world, including Singapore, Canada, Australia and Switzerland.
The 100th member was Welshcakes producer Tan Y Castell in Pembrokeshire. Owner Paul Mear said: “We like to think of Welshcakes as one of Wales’ best kept secrets, and one that needs to be shared with the world. Being part of the Export Club, surrounded by likeminded Welsh businesses, and with the support of Food & Drink Wales, will help us do this.”
The Export Club is part of the Food & Drink Wales Cluster Programme. Member benefits include a free technical helpline, tailored export training, networking opportunities, and access to expert advice and the wider range of export support programmes.
Anglesey salt supplier Halen Mon has been a member since the club’s inception and director Alison Lea-Wilson said the club’s support and expertise had been “invaluable”.
She added: “In the last year we have strengthened our customer base by taking every opportunity to virtually visit countries as diverse as Belgium and South Korea, Singapore to Finland, all through the Export Club. Exporting is not for the faint hearted or under resourced, but the help given by the Export Cluster goes a long way to making it enjoyable and successful.”
