Vietnamese Products to Gain Entry into UK Market Following Specialty and Fine Food Fair

Five Vietnamese food producers, with support from the Vietnam Trade Office in the UK, showcased food and beverage products at the Specialty and Fine Food Fair 2023 held in London from September 11-12, VNA reported.

The Vietnamese stall displayed specialty products, including Phu Tho specialty green tea, highland old tea, beer, coffee, cinnamon, star anise, honey with pink lemon, dried fruits, rice noodle, fish sauce, shrimp paste, frozen seafood, among others. Photo: VNA

The Speciality & Fine Food Fair is a leading showcase of artisanal food and drinks in the UK, catering to buyers from various sectors such as retail, hospitality, food service, manufacturing, import and export, and wholesale. This year’s fair featured over 500 exhibitors from around the world, including more than 200 start-ups in the food and beverage industry. The event provided an excellent opportunity for producers, wholesalers, retailers, and service providers to connect, explore partnerships, and stay updated with market trends.

The Vietnamese stall showcased a range of specialty products, including Phu Tho specialty green tea, highland old tea, beer, coffee, cinnamon, star anise, honey with pink lemon, dried fruits, desiccated coconut, crispy coconut, rice, vermicelli, rice noodle, fish sauce, shrimp paste, frozen seafood, among others. These products were brought and introduced by UT Tea companies; Ly Tuong Food; Ben Tre Coconut Technology, R.Y.B, Saigon Beer, and EUTEK Group – businesses headquartered in Nottingham city, specializing in distributing, wholesaling, and retailing Vietnamese goods in the central region of England.

Le Hong Minh, director of the Investment Promotion Centre for Industry and Trade, who led a Vietnamese trade promotion delegation in the UK, expressed that participating in this prestigious food and beverage event aimed to introduce Vietnamese specialty food and the country’s export potential to British consumers and international visitors. Vietnamese businesses also sought to establish trade partnerships, gather market insights, and enhance their products to cater to the needs of the UK market and increase exports.

Many typical Vietnamese products were showcased and introduced by businesses at the Specialty and Fine Food Fair 2023. Photo: VNA

James Murray, International Sales Director of Specialty and Fine Food Fair, expressed delight in Vietnam’s participation in the fair. He acknowledged the fair as a platform for Vietnam to showcase its exceptional food and drink products and an opportunity for overseas companies to enter the UK market. Vietnamese businesses can connect with leading food and drink companies and expand their presence in the UK market. Murray hoped to see more Vietnamese food at future fairs.

Simon Mellon, a visitor from London, expressed his love for Vietnamese produce and recalled enjoying Vietnamese coffee, fresh tropical fruits, and refreshing smoothies during his visit to Vietnam. He was thrilled to find and purchase Vietnamese products in London, such as dried fruits, cashews, and rice.

The fair attracted numerous food businesses from leading countries in Europe and around the world, showcasing and introducing their products. Photo: VNA

The relationship between Vietnam and the UK is evidenced by various agreements, including the bilateral free trade agreement (UKVFTA) signed in 2020, which facilitated a 29% increase in bilateral trade in 2022 to around GBP 6.9 billion (USD 8.6 billion), with the majority being Vietnamese exports to the UK.