A delegation of independent food and drink entrepreneurs are set to explore the growing French taste for British produce in a trade mission to Paris next week.

The two-day export trip organised by Enterprise Nation comes just two days before the triggering of Article 50 next week on 29 March and the start of the unwinding of the UK’s relationship with the EU.

It will be the eighth international delegation under the small business support group’s Go Global campaign, following trips to China, New York, Berlin, Dublin and Amsterdam.

The campaign is a collaboration between Enterprise Nation, HSBC and KPMG.

“There is a growing appetite for innovative British food products globally and particularly in France,” said Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones.

“The independent British food market is building its reputation around the world for quality and ingenuity – and year-on-year that message is getting across to more buyers and stockists looking for something fresh and interesting.

“Exploring that market in person is vital for British firms to make sustainable connections which will take them to the next level.”

According to data from the Department of International Trade, France is the second biggest market for UK food and drink exports.

The Go Global mission to Paris starts on 27 March.