Samosas, spring rolls and onion bhajis will be among the culinary creations created by British food companies at the World Ethnic Food Show being held in Paris on 17 and 18 June 2003.Thousands of businesses are expected to attend the show, which is now in its third year.
The East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) has joined forces with Trade Partners UK (TPUK), the government organisation for helping British companies achieve their export potential and Food from Britain to send seven East Midlands companies along.
Andrew Sugden, head of inward investment and trade development at EMDA said: "The World Ethnic Food event offers companies the opportunity to meet with potential customers from all over the world.
"We are working closely with TPUK to make sure that East Midlands companies make the most of every opportunity to exploit international trade so it becomes part of normal business practice. International trade development is key in helping to make the East Midlands a top 20 region by 2010."
Farsan, a manufacturer of frozen Indian finger food including samosas and spring rolls, is one of the companies attending the event. Director Nahendra Patel said: "The World Ethnic Food Show in Paris is a very important fair as customers from Europe and further afield attend the show. Currently most of our customers are either caterers, supermarkets or Indian restaurants which are local or UK based, but business is increasing thanks to European opportunities."
Brian Dresher, TPUK deputy international trade director for the East Midlands said: "The food and drink sector is proving very lucrative for the East Midlands with exports increasing by over 10 per cent in the last three years to a value of £595.7 million. Trade shows such as this one are one of the reasons for the success as it offers excellent business opportunities to companies whatever their size."