Growing Internationally – Virtual Meet The Buyer

Please be aware that we are no longer taking registrations for this event.

 

Santander, the Food and Drink Exporters Association (FDEA) and Rees Exports are offering UK manufacturers of Health & Wellbeing (including organic, free-from, vegan, vegetarian, healthy and natural) and Gourmet products, a unique opportunity to present their range to top tier Spanish and Portuguese grocery retail buyers and distributors. Proudly sponsored by the Warrant Group.

Why Spain and Portugal?

Spain and Portugal have long been attractive markets for UK food and drink manufacturers, given its booming tourism links with the UK and its high level of permanent British expatriate residents. Both markets offer an excellent starting point from which exporters can begin to develop their company´s international sales, particularly with the easily-identifiable home brands that are ever-popular with homesick expatriates. However, exporters should also consider approaching these markets on a national level as buyers look to the UK for both traditional and innovative products.

Health & wellbeing related products such as organic certified, vegan, free from, etc., is an on-going trend that has been boosted by the Covid-19 crisis, as consumers seek foods that support a healthy lifestyle. All available sales channels present opportunities, especially grocery retail and specialist stores. Identifying the best route to market via these channels is key for the success of a product.

Why participate?

Santander and the FDEA are both focused on helping you to fast-track your international sales by leveraging our in-market networks and partnering with commercial experts like Rees Exports who have helped a wealth of UK brands to enter and build sales in the Iberia region.

Our virtual Meet The Buyer offers you a unique opportunity to apply to pitch your products to the top food distributors and retailers in Spain and Portugal. Our programme is a 3 stage process which offers every participating company bespoke support and practical advice every step of the way.

Application Process:

Stage 1 (Initial Filtering): fee of £75

• Complete and submit your application by answering the questions on this page.
• Rees Exports will evaluate your product range/company to determine market-fit and potential interest levels among distributors and retailers.
• If you are successful, you will move through to Stage 2 below.
• If you are unsuccessful, you will be invited to participate in a free workshop session to identify best-fit markets for your products.

Stage 2 (Sales Presentation deck): Fee of £220

• Tailored support from Rees Export to understand specific opportunities for your products and to prepare your Spanish and Portuguese sales deck.
• You will also contribute product samples to a set of hampers which will be sent to buyers along with your sales deck presentation.
• Rees Export will present your sales deck to a range of best-fit buyers and distributors, during which they will get comprehensive feedback to present to you.
• If you are successful Santander will pay the fees for Stage 3 on your behalf, valued at £650.

Stage 3 (Virtual Meetings): Subsidised by Santander

• You will have a series of Virtual sessions with all buyers and distributors who wish to meet with you.
• The meetings will be facilitated by Santander and Rees Exports (providing translation services where required) allowing you to have ‘warm’ and in-depth discussions with decision-makers.
• The team from Santander, the FDEA and Rees Exports will help you prepare for and follow-up your sessions to ensure you have the best chance of commercial success.

If you would like to join this virtual trade mission to potentially present your products to Spanish and Portuguese grocery retail buyers and distributors, please complete and submit the application form on this page.

Application for Stage 1 of the process commences from 17th of August until the 12th of October. If you are selected, you will be contacted shortly after the closing date.

We wish you every success with your export journey to Spain and Portugal, and hope to see your products in supermarket shelves there in the near future!

If you have any questions please contact our organisers here.