2023 Assessment Newsletter

Europe trip (London, Birmingham, Paris, Berlin), April/May 2023 In preparation for NCSPC’s European visit in April/May, Liquid organized hotel, and travel bookings, created an itinerary, planned supermarket research, arranged retailer meetings, analyzed territory markets, and obtained a list of sweetpotato importers. In addition to the Westminster Kingsway College competition activity discussed above, the Europe visit involved the first in-person meeting between Liquid and the NCSPC since appointment. While in London, the team met with Michelle Butler to discuss market research opportunities with TRKR.

While in Birmingham, NCSPC representatives met with the wider Liquid team, who presented research findings, current activity, and upcoming plans.

In Paris and Berlin, the Liquid team traveled with NCSPC to visit the US Embassies and carry out further research, as well as meeting with appointed French on the ground agency, FLAG.

Paris, June, 2023 In June, Liquid visited FLAG, as the team in Paris held a press event for journalists, where Liquid professional chef demonstrated different recipes that highlighted sweetpotatoes as a versatile ingredient. To prepare for the event, Liquid drafted leaflets, which were then externally translated and distributed at the event, and prepared recipes to showcase what were created and presented throughout the day. The dishes were hugely popular, and it was instrumental for the Liquid team to see how these recipes were received by the French media. The success of this event has led to the Liquid team working closely with FLAG to look into options for an Atelier in the future. Berlin & Hamburg, June 2023 In Q4, Liquid began preparations for the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ event held in Berlin in August, as well as the trip to Hamburg to meet with SOPEXA and visit the Hamburg Wholesale Market. This included virtual meetings with the event chef and logistical planning.

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