The Consulate General of the UK in Guangzhou in cooperation with the Department for International Trade held a food exchange activity themed ‘Food is GREAT’ in Guangzhou on Oct 23.

Ken Hom (right) remarking the event (Photo provided to Newsgd.com)

Aiming to promote the food trade between China and Britain, the activity invited celebrity chef Ken Hom, and more than 60 food industry insiders, culinary experts and opinion leaders to share the food culture of China and Britain.

Since 1980s, Ken Hom has introduced Chinese cuisine to overseas audiences through his show on the BBC ‘Ken Hom's Chinese Cookery’. He quickly became the symbol of Chinese food in Britain, and so was invited to be the ambassador of GREAT Britain Campaign by the British government in 2014. In order to celebrate relations between China and Britain, he created a British wonton with cheese for food fans in South China. Ken’s love of British food stems from its delicacy, the traceability and safety, all very important to consumers.

A great deal of delicious food and alcohol from all across Britain was on show, such as aurum and whisky from Scotland, sparkling wine, tea, cheese and ice cream from England, seafood and pork from Northern Ireland.

Jo Hawley, Consul General of the UK in Guangzhou, said they are devoted to bringing more British food and wine into South China. According to her, China and Britain came to a deal on the import of British beef this June, which was recently implemented on October 18th, which means Chinese foodies can now have the chance to enjoy British beef. This agreement is expected to bring 230 billion pounds to British beef producers over the next five years.

Right now, China has become Britain’seighth largest food and beverage market. According to the Guangdong Imported Foods Association, Guangdong is showing an increasing trend in both volume and variety of imported food consumed.

Food is GREAT

GREAT is a series of promotional activities initiated by the British government, aiming to share every aspect of British culture, commerce and trade. It is hoped that it can encourage people around the world to travel, study and carry out business in Britain. Food is GREAT, a part of GREAT, is an initiative of DEFRA and DIT, which support the import and export business.

Author| Huang Yueming

Editor| Simon Haywood, Keane