A Scottish exporter of premium craft beers and spirits has said it is further expanding its product offering of premium food products as it continues to drive Scottish exports at this week’s Hofex trade show in Hong Kong.
JW Filshill International, which also trades under the Craft Beer Clan, is this week showcasing 10 Scottish brands at the renowned Hofex trade show, which attracts more than 70,000 visitors, including buyers, importers and distributors from around 70 countries within the Asia-Pacific region.
Hofex is Asia’s leading food and hospitality show, and runs from May 7 until May 10. JW Filshill International will be part of the Great British pavilion, which is being supported by Scottish Development International, Scotland Food and Drink, and the British Council.
JW Filshill International director Chris Miller, who is joined by the trip by fellow director and industry expert David Moore, said: “This trade visit is about consolidating our previous trips and building on established custom to further grow export sales for Scotland’s craft producers.
“We know there is great demand for craft spirits and beers, from the likes of established brewers such as Williams Brothers, as well as our own whisky barrel-aged beers under the Clan Brewing Company. This in turn has helped to fuel the appetite for Scottish craft food products, which we’re including in our portfolio at Hofex this week.”
Alongside Williams Brothers and Clan Brewing Co, Mr Miller said the other craft brands being showcased are Drygate, Brewmeister, Glasgow Distillery and Makar Gin, Boe Gins, Ochil Fudge, Drinks Bakery, For Aisha, and Growers Garden, with products ranging from craft gin, whisky and beer to premium fudge, biscuits and other ambient food products.
He added: “We will be showcasing a range of Scottish premium products to potential buyers, importers and distributors in the heart of Wanchai at one of the most prestigious venues in Hong Kong. This is a hugely exciting and high profile event, and we know from experience that there’s always a buzz around our stand. Customers understand the premium quality of Scottish brands. We saw that a few months ago when we exhibited at the Gulfood expo in Dubai in February.”
As well as raising the profile of Scottish brands, and Scottish food and drink in general, Mr Miller said the event would help cement import and distribution deals for the companies.
“These are all businesses that have worked hard to scale up and invest in export. Our expertise and global contacts puts us in a prime position to support these smaller producers to reach these exciting markets. These high-profile events are often out of reach for Scotland’s smaller craft producers so we’re excited about having the opportunity to put them in front of key buyers in Hong Kong and China.
Mr Miller added: “JW Filshill International works with close to 100 Scottish producers. We’re focused on collaboration, and as a trading company we can source, consolidate and ship to market. This gives importers full service consolidation with a single point of contact and administration, something we know they find invaluable, and which is bringing major wins for the businesses we partner with.”
