MOODY IN INDIA

Earlier this year, Moody ventured into India courtesy of an invitation from the UK-India Joint Economic & Trade Committee (JETCO).

The JETCO mission, aimed at strengthening and deepening bilateral relationships between the the countries, focused specifically on the agricultural sector, with a cross section of UK companies being represented.

During the trip, Moody Systems managing director Adam Archer had the opportunity to meet with existing and potential clients, establish links with potential partners, attend an Indian Food Manufacturer's exhibition, and even witness the opening of Delhi's first ever supermarket outlet.

Additionally, through the British High Commission, Adam met with Indian government officials to debate the critical issues barring effective trade between the two countries.

"Not many people are aware that India is the biggest milk market in the world, but very little is processed. Of the 91 million tons of milk produced each year, 71% comes from small independent dairy farmers.

"This makes India a very interesting market for Moody to tap into, but currently there are prohibitive tariffs on bringing second hand equipment into the country.

"The visit gave me the opportunity to voice our concerns with key movers and shakers within the Indian market and hopefully break down a few barriers for future trade," said Adam Archer.

UPDATE ON THE MIDDLE EAST

Earlier in the year, Moody plc appointed Process & Power Components as its agent in the Middle East. The company's managing director, Alan Marshall, has been busy getting the word out about the Moody Group and the capabilities it offers.

Alan reports from Dubai, "We have gradually been building up enquiries for Moody Direct spare parts and the interest in second hand equipment has also picked up. Although we had some initial interest in the recent Dairy Farmers of Britain auction in Whitby, due to the start of Ramadan, Arab nationalities were unwilling to travel to the UK. It is hoped that a lot more interest can be generated for the next auction.

"There are a number of promising new projects where Moody Systems and Alfred & Co could have a good opportunity for business in Dubai, Sudan, Bahrain and Jeddah.

"With the forthcoming visit of Moody representatives attending Saudi Food 2007 exhibition (11-15 November, Riyadh Exhibition Centre, Saudi Arabia) there will be an increased potential for generating business through the many contacts which will be created during the four days of the show".

RETFORD WELCOMES EASTERN EUROPEANS

Moody HQ in Retford has welcomed several delegations from Eastern Europe over the summer, all keen to establish strong relationships with the company.

Moscow firm Molmash has signed up as Moody's agent in Russia and they will sell Moody used equipment whilst raising the company's profile.

Polina Strandstren, managing director of Molmash, believes that the Eastern European market is very keen to purchase Western equipment.

"Most of the old Eastern bloc, and in particular Russia, has become increasingly more wealthy over the past 10 years. Consumers want, and are prepared to pay for, more expensive imported dairy products.

"Dairy and food manufacturers are starting to realise this and are prepared to make the investment in the good quality, reliable equipment Moody supplies.

"I am confident with our extensive knowledge and proven track record within the industry, we will see significant benefits in Russia," she explains.

EASTERN BLOC WELCOMES MOODY

Moody's push into Eastern Europe continues with the Moody Auctions team being invited to Moscow to carry out a valuation on behalf of a global brewing client.

Malcolm Wilkinson, Moody Auction managing director, says that undertaking confidential evaluation work for mergers, takeovers and balance sheets is a growing aspect of the business.

"Being specialists within a niche market means we are a trusted and reliable partner across a variety of industries. Our skills can be deployed throughout the globe, as we have an inherent knowledge of a wide range of process equipment," he added.