United Kingdom-Meat export drive in Cyprus.

CYPRUS-UK ASSISTANCE IN MEAT INDUSTRY.

EBLEX and BPEX joined forces on a trade mission to Cyprus last month in a bid to break into the island’s lucrative holiday and expat market.

The mission, which was supported by the High Commission in Nicosia, included a exibition of English meats and a dinner reception attended by Cyprus importers and members of the hospitality industry.

BPEX and EBLEX export manager Jean-Pierre Garnier said: "Cyprus is a small but attractive market for English meat. It has a large expatriate community and a growing tourist trade. It is also a wealthy market in its own right and is comparatively less affected by the present economic downturn."

Six English companies took part in the exhibition, bringing bacon, sausages, ham, beef and lamb to the island. Chefs and butchers were on hand for demonstrations using English produce and the event was supported by the Cyprus Butchers’ Association, Chefs’ Association and Cyprus Olympic Chefs Team.

"There was a strong turnout from importers, wholesalers, retailers, butchers and the main restaurants. A number of contracts with distributors were negotiated for English sausages, bacon, cooked ham, beef and cheese," said Garnier.