Export Briefing update
With strong growth in virtually every other developed organic market, combined with favourable currency conditions, there’s never been a better time to export organic goods. Mindful of these opportunuies, Soil Association Certification have developed a program of Export Support to help organic businesses plan their export strategy. Offering an opportunity for businesses to network and learn about export is a key part of our support offer, so we were pleased to be joined by so many businesses for this years London based Export Briefing.
Expert contributions from a number of key export agencies
Speakers at this year event included Nicola Thomas, Director of the Food & Drink Exporters Association, who urged businesses to plan carefully, keep calm and carry on in the wake of Brexit. Nick Turner of DEFRA’s Organic Farming unit on gov. answered some tough questions on Government progress to ensure organic trade agreements are in place to reduce disruption to organic trade. We were also fortunate to be joined by the DIT’s representative, Rob Furse who provide an overview of the Great British Food Unit's plans to support food export over the next five years.
Our delegates were reassured to see added value and high integrity products feature heavily within government thinking, with organic specifically featuring in a number of the nine focal territories.
Case studies from organic businesses already taking advantage of overseas demand for organic
-
Highlights included a cautionary tale on US export from Henry Chevalier- Guild of Aspalls , Soil Association Certifications’ longest standing licensee. Henry’s highly eloquent delivery reminded those present that US export is a long game requiring, as one Canadian contact put it: ‘deep pockets’.
-
Having recent gone up against the Dragons and secured investment, Jacob Thundil of Cocofina shared his export journey. 'Be selective' was the advice for wouldbe exporters, as 'not every lead is a chance to sell'.
-
Both OMSCO and G’s Marketing provided further inspiration on planning considerations and marketing for export, both from the perspective of big-volume raw material exporters.
Download the presentations
If you missed Tuesdays’ event, you can download presentations here.
Get the Global guide for export
Whether you already export or are simply thinking about expanding your international business, events such as this are just one way to get support. Our online Global Guide is another great place to begin. With top-line information on market performance, key routes to market and organic specific legislative considerations, the interactive guide can help you get started as you plan to export.
We’ve also signposted other key trade organisations and government departments who provide wider export advice and guidance. As well as running a serious of webinars around specific key markets, we also offer direct support to businesses in need of specific additional accreditations (e.g. CNCA for access to China, or PWAB for US access). Visit our export pages to find out more about guidance, consultancy services or international events.