THE BCMPA – The Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics, has revealed it is helping US food producers from Colorado find UK outsourcing partners for a range of manufactured food and drink goods.
Faced with distribution issues for their products in overseas markets, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s (CDA) international marketing & business development team initially contacted the BCMPA to help build better relationships in the UK.
Colorado’s farmers, ranchers and food processors grow, process and market over $15 billion worth of products each year, with goods marketed to more than 115 countries. However, when exporting packaged products directly from the US, the BCMPA said producers often experience problems in effectively getting their goods to market.
Conversations were held between the BCMPA and CDA at the IFE Manufacturing exhibition, with the association showing how it could help US brands find effective third-party outsourcing partners.
“We were very impressed with the BCMPA’s resources, in particular its comprehensive website which has the capability to search for contract manufacturers according to specific requirements,” said Ashley Warsh from the CDA. “It is also reassuring that all members are known by the BCMPA, which confirms that businesses are operating to the highest standards.
“Having a collaborative approach between industry associations and governing bodies is proving to have great benefits to trade for both sides.”
The partnership is already bearing fruit, with Colorado sauce manufacturer Thunder Snout due to launch a new barbecue sauce into the UK later this year thanks to BCMPA member Sauce Shed.
The CDA team is also spearheading a visit for UK contract manufacturers to Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico in June. The objectives are for US food manufacturers and brands to meet the UK companies and discuss opportunities for establishing manufacturing and distribution. At the same time, the UK visitors will be able to identify synergies and develop cross fertilisation of ideas and products, potentially helping them to extend their manufacturing overseas.
BCMPA CEO Emma Verkaik said, “This is a very exciting initiative, and we are delighted to be working with the CDA and promoting the many benefits of UK contract manufacturing for US food producers. Working with a reputable supplier can make all the difference to successfully launching products and as an association we work hard to help overseas companies find their perfect outsourcing partner in the UK market.
“We are very much looking forward to building on the initial successes with the CDA and building a long-term partnership that benefits our members. This is a great example of collaboration and one we are keen to continue developing.”
