A group of south west food and drink firms showcased the best of British produce at China’s biggest trade show for the food and hospitality industry.

Five of the region’s breweries, dairy producers and confectionary brands were among a mission of 60 British producers and distributors led by the Department for International Trade (DIT) to Food and Hospitality China (FHC), in Shanghai.

The FHC show included four pavilions exhibiting the UK’s high-quality and diverse food and drink brands, including Cornwall preserves and baked goods producer Provenance Brands, Salcombe Distilling Company, Somerdale International and fruit juice firm Frobishers Juices from Exeter.

The south west firms’ mission to FHC was part of the 'Food is GREAT' campaign, the UK government’s cross department initiative to showcase UK food and drink overseas and to help firms to export.

Thomas Fourcade of the DIT, said: “It’s encouraging to see firms look further afield at the opportunities that exporting can bring. Tapping into new international markets can really accelerate growth for small-to-medium sized businesses, particularly as demand for British-made food and drink continues to grow globally.

“The south west is renowned for its diverse range of food and drink offering and there is currently a high demand for its products across China. We’re proactively encouraging firms to tap into this growing trend and we have over 40 international trade advisers based in the south west to support businesses during the exporting process.”

South west firms looking for support should contact the DIT regional team on 01275 370 944 or DITsw@mobile.trade.gov.uk.