Food from Britain announces export finalists

The ceremony will take place on 10 December 2008 at the Landmark London Hotel. Each of the companies in the running has achieved outstanding success in developing its business abroad. Britvic International, which produces Robinsons and Fruit Shoots, has conquered the Nordic regions while Daniels has successfully penetrated the Dutch market with its fresh juices and smoothies in the Netherlands. Alcohol producers Gordon & MacPhail gave Russia a thirst for their single malt scotch whisky while St Peter's Brewery overcame capacity difficulties to effectively succeed with their range of beers and ales in the competitive American market. In the large Food Exporter of the Year category, AB World Foods, which combines the Pataks and G Costa businesses, frozen and chilled foods specialists Marlow Foods and Nisa, exporters of British food and groceries around the world, will be competing with fresh meat distributors Randall Parker Foods and leading retailer, Waitrose for its own label products across ambient, chilled, frozen, non-food and alcohol categories. Finest Scottish smoked salmon producers Gourmets Choice, natural fruit and nut snack company Eat Natural and seafood specialists Ideal Foods will go head-to-head with Scottish marmalade and preserve manufacturer, Mackays, Only Natural Products and Tyrrells Potato Chips for the SME Food Exporter of the Year award. Shortbread and shortbread biscuit manufacturers Deans of Huntly and unique handmade cheese company Ford Farm, join health drinks company Mangajo and Veetee to make up the final shortlist for the Innovation in Export Award. New Exporter of the Year (sponsored by UKTI) finalists include Burts Crisps, organic kids and baby food company Ella's Kitchen, premium dessert manufacturers, Gü Chocolate Puds, healthy snacks and crisps company JLM and Linwoods, specialists in bakery, dairy and health food products. In the Best Exhibitor of the Year category, gourmet and speciality food company Epicurean International and Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales will be competing against Eat Natural and soft drinks group AG Barr for the award. John Adams, Chief Executive Officer at from Food from Britain, commented, "The standard of entries this year was incredibly high and it is a real testament to the hard work of each of the short listed companies that they've made it this far. Each company has taken a different and unique approach to exporting, achieving great success along the way. We wish them all the very best at the event and look forward to seeing everyone there." For more information on the export awards please visit www.foodfrombritain.co.uk