Bradford-based food and drink distributor Premcrest, which distributes food and drink for brands such as Nākd and Popchips, is targeting sales in the Middle East.

With overseas sales currently make up 10 per cent of the business’ overall revenue, Premcrest is currently in talks with Middle East distributors as a result of contacts made at last year’s Gulfood, the world's largest food and drink trade show.

The company attended Gulfood 2018 as part of a Northern Powerhouse delegation with support from the Food is GREAT campaign, the UK government's cross department initiative which showcases food and drink overseas by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Department for International Trade (DIT).

International trade advisers from DIT identified potential overseas buyers who might be of interest to Premcrest and set up meetings, enabling the company to showcase its products and capabilities.

Mo Zafir, general manager at Premcrest, said: "UK manufacturers are at the forefront of the global health food sector. These brands are not only recognised for their innovation and quality from overseas buyers, but for their increasingly ecological approach to packaging – with retailers and consumers striving to reduce plastic waste.

"Following success in Europe and the Far East, the Middle East presents the next big opportunity for us. Working alongside ITAs, we're confident that we can make this a success."

Following a run of unexpected international orders, Premcrest began proactively targeting overseas sales three years ago. Since then, it has secured customers in France, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong and China.