UK Trade & Investment’s Izmir office and IATC – International Agri-Technology Centre Ltd (contracted by UKTI to lead on the agriculture sector in the UK) recently organised a targeted visit programme to the UK for 8 Turkish companies operating in the fresh produce sector to take advantage of opportunities in this market.

Turkey is one of the most dynamic and attractive markets for UK companies. During Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent visit to Turkey Sir Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment said:

“Turkey is an economic powerhouse with enormous potential for UK companies. With current growth levels of 11 per cent, it is tipped to be Europe’s second largest economy by 2050.

“Situated at the crossroads between east and west, doing business in Turkey can provide a foothold for companies looking to do business in the Middle East, European and Central Asian markets.”

The Turkish delegation consisted of decision-makers from 8 prominent companies, who want to upgrade their processing and packaging technologies and adapt food safety standards in compliance with the UK and the EU.

The Inward Mission visited Gloucestershire, Kent and London regions between 19 and 23 July. The programme began with a tour of the Campden BRI – www.campden.co.uk, UK’s leading science and technology centre serving local and international food & drink industries. At Campden BRI, Turkish companies also had one-to-one meetings with UK companies who supply the agri-technology sector.

The programme continued with a visit to Amcor Packaging - www.amcor.com, where the delegates saw the latest technologies in retail packaging applications for fresh produce, driven by the requirements to extend shelf life.

A visit to Evesham Vale Growers showcased state-of the-art tomato greenhouses (hydroponically grown) and an impeccable packaging plant in the heart of Worcestershire.

The programme also included a day at the sector’s leading trade event – Fruit Focus – www.fruitfocus.co.uk, which brought together over 120 leading suppliers specialised in pre and post harvest technologies, agronomy, machinery and equipment.

One of the highlights of the programme was a visit to Mack Multiples – www.mwmack.co.uk – one of the largest fresh produce suppliers to the UK’s major multiple retailers. The visit proved invaluable to Turkish delegates in understanding quality, consistency and food safety issues required by UK retailers.

The tour culminated in London, where Sainsbury’s – www.sainsburys.co.uk and BSI – www.bsigroup.com were visited.

Contacts

If you are interested in finding out more about potential opportunities for your packaging, processing technology business in Turkey please contact:

Guliz Kiymaz

UKTI Izmir

Email: Guliz.Kiymaz@fco.gov.uk