Market access facilitation programme

If you are using this scheme to provide awards of subsidy, you must inform the Subsidy Control Unit – email: scu@gov.wales.

Wales

Market Access Facilitation Programme

• Section 60(1) of the Government of Wales Act 2006
• Section 1(2), 1(3)d and 1(7)f of the Welsh Development Agency Act 1975

The objective of the scheme is to enhance the international visibility, competitiveness and export capability of Welsh food and drink businesses by enabling participation in structured international trade activity through ITO, ITD OBDVs and attendance at international events. This initiative is intended to increase participation in key global markets at a substantially reduced cost, enabling Wales to compete effectively with other UK nations and international destinations which also operate under coordinated national approaches and provide similar levels of support to their businesses. The mission of the scheme is to demonstrate, over the lifetime of the programme, that a sustained, coordinated Wales approach increases international visibility, strengthens long-term business relationships and delivers measurable economic outcomes. The subsidy supports a clear policy objective of promoting international trade, export growth, and economic development within the food and drink sector. It contributes to increased productivity, market diversification, and resilience, aligning with wider economic priorities to strengthen the sector’s global competitiveness and drive sustainable growth.

The subsidy supports Welsh food and drink businesses operating in Wales to develop and grow international export markets, in line with the Welsh Government’s Export Action Plan and Strategic Vision for the Food and Drink Industry.

Presence in international markets is critical as it enables businesses to form and build relationships with key buyers, partners and intermediaries, ensuring a level playing field against other UK nations and international destinations.

The OBDVs enables export-ready Welsh food and drink businesses to participate in strategically selected international trade exhibitions and trade missions, delivered under a Cymru/Wales branded food and drink pavilion, to support establishing market presence and developing sustainable routes to market.This activity will include participation in structured international trade missions, in-market delivery programmes and Overseas Business Development Visits (OBDVs) across key international markets.

The ITO and ITDs support Welsh food and drink businesses by providing direct financial assistance to offset the high upfront costs associated with market research, and in-market representation, which can otherwise act as significant barriers to entry. Without access to this support, eligible businesses would be placed at a disadvantage.

A coordinated Wales approach provides a stronger, unified national presence in fiercely competitive global marketplaces, promoting Wales’ sectoral strengths, business capability and export offer whilst showcasing suppliers who can meet international buyer needs and demand.

Presence in international markets is critical as it enables businesses to form and build relationships with key buyers, partners and intermediaries, ensuring a level playing field against other UK nations and international destinations.

This initiative facilitates participation in key global markets at a substantially reduced cost, enabling Wales to compete effectively with other UK nations and international destinations which also operate under coordinated national approaches and provide similar levels of support to their businesses.

The mission of the scheme is to demonstrate, over the lifetime of the programme, that a sustained, coordinated Wales approach increases international visibility, strengthens long-term business relationships and delivers measurable economic outcomes, including increased exports and inward investment.

The subsidy supports a clear policy objective of promoting international trade, export growth, and economic development within the food and drink sector. It contributes to increased productivity, market diversification, and resilience, aligning with wider economic priorities to strengthen the sector’s global competitiveness and drive sustainable growth.

This support is not contingent on export performance.

Welsh Government

The food and drink business must be operating in Wales and demonstrate a suitable strategic fit to the international activity for which support is offered.

Accommodation and food service activities

From 07 July 2026 to 30 December 2030. 

£3,000,000

Direct grant

The subsidy supports Welsh food and drink businesses operating in Wales to develop and grow international export markets, in line with the Welsh Government’s Export Action Plan and Strategic Vision for the Food and Drink Industry. Applications are assessed against Welsh Government Legal Services approved eligibility criteria and detailed terms and conditions to ensure alignment with policy objectives and appropriate use of public funds.

Support is available up to an aid intensity of 100% in certain circumstances.

£95,000

For more information about applying for support under this scheme, please contact the Food Division at: FoodDivisionalBusiness@gov.wales.

For more information about this scheme’s compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022, please contact: