Julian Hunt, Moscow The US pavilion at the World Food Moscow exhibition was fully manned this week ­ as exporters defied those who feared they would not travel because of the terrorist crisis. Jeffrey Hesse, director of the Agricultural Trade Office at the US Embassy in Moscow, said: "A lot of the exporters I have spoken to thought it was important to be here and business at the show is continuing as normal." He said US exporters were keen to capitalise on the improving economic outlook in Russia, adding: "Our exports of poultry have nearly recovered from the recession. We are also keen to build on the interest in our beef, pork and apples." Hesse said there was now an opportunity for American producers of value added grocery products to target Russia. "I would hope at other shows we would be able to attract exhibitors with a wider product range," he added. This year's World Food Moscow exhibition ­ the 10th to be held ­ attracted more than 600 exhibitors from 45 countries. About half the participants were domestic producers ­ who included the local manufacturer of Irn-Bru as well as the local distributors of British teas, soft drinks and confectionery lines. But Burton's Foods was the only exporter flying the British flag at World Food Moscow ­ with a major presence on the stand of its distributor Melfoods, which is relaunching Wagon Wheels on the Russian market. Bord Bia also had a strong presence, with a high profile national pavilion dominated by beef producers. l See page 27 {{NEWS }}