UK manufacturers keen to export to the USA have been offered the chance to take part in a unique educational trade mission to Orlando, Florida, including a visit to Global Pet Expo...
Set up by the Pet Industry Federation in conjunction with US-based SMD Group, the week-long visit will enable UK manufacturers to visit a range of retail stores, participate in two educational seminars to learn about how the USA and UK markets differ and visit Global Pet Expo to meet potential distributors and retailer buyers.
Nigel Baker, Chief Executive of the Pet Industry Federation, said: "This trip will provide an invaluable opportunity to those UK businesses that are serious about entering the US export market. Understanding how the market operates, as well as pricing, margins and logistics are fundamental, and this business opportunity will help UK manufacturers cut through some of the red tape, make important US connections and speed up the process to achieve export success.
"By seeing competitive products currently available to US pet owners, potential exporters will even have the chance to assess whether their product is export-ready and could compete successfully in the US market. The aim of the mission is to arm manufacturers with all the information they need to decide if exporting to the US is right for their product and for their business."
The week-long mission will take place from Sunday March 9 until Saturday March 15, and will involve:
- Three days Global Pet Expo, to include a guided tour of the show, explore new products and talk to current exporters
- Visits to a range of retailers in the Orlando area
- Participation in panel discussions with trade partners, and seminars on the US market
- Hospitality receptions
- Networking opportunities
The cost of the trip is £1,495 for PIF members, and £1,995 for non-members, which includes six nights at the Hilton Garden Inn –Sea World, Orlando (flights not included).
Spaces are limited, so interested manufacturers should apply to Alexandra.baker@petfederation.co.uk by Friday 14 February 2014.
