Thirteen Georgian companies took part in the SIAL international food exhibition in Paris last month, with the support of EU4Business, with contacts leading to dozens of confirmed orders worth a total value of €4 million.
The International Trade Centre (ITC), together with Enterprise Georgia, supported helped the Georgian companies to attend within the framework of the ‘Eastern Partnership: Ready to Trade’ project, funded by the European Union under its EU4Business initiative.
The 13 beneficiary companies were showcased in Paris at the Georgian National pavilions, organised by Enterprise Georgia. The companies were offering a range of processed hazelnut products, fruit juices, freeze-dried fruits and different types of teas.
SIAL Paris is one of the world’s leading food trade fairs, taking place every two years in Paris, France. This year it brought together around 7,200 exhibitors from 119 countries.
Before arriving in Paris, the companies were coached on how best to prepare for an international trade fair, focusing on intensified promotion activities and detailed information needs for sales discussions with potential buyers.
Most of the Georgian companies exhibiting in SIAL this year had previous experiences in international trade fairs, including SIAL and achieved good results both in terms of confirmed and expected orders.
The companies established more than 500 new business contacts, mostly from the European Union, but also from Asian, Middle Eastern Arabic and Eastern and Southeastern European countries. The companies have received 37 confirmed orders and are expecting around 100 more, worth a total value of €4 million.
Buyers showed a particular interest in organic and natural products.
In addition to creating new business links, SIAL participation was a great learning experience for all the Georgian companies.
The ‘Ready to Trade’ project is funded by the European Union as part of the EU4Business initiative, and aims to improve the competitiveness of SMEs in Georgia and other Eastern Partnership countries and to connect them to international and EU markets.
In Georgia, the project primarily supports the agro-processing sector Georgia, focusing on processed fruits and vegetables, non-alcoholic beverages, processed hazelnuts, dried fruits, spices (bay leaf), and tea. Activities assist exporting and export-ready SMEs in producing value added goods in accordance with international and EU market requirements and linking with EU markets. Support is directed to helping companies access the EU market, through targeted capacity-building, advisory services and market access activities.