HallMark Attends U.S. Embassy Event Celebrating 250 Years of American Food, Drink and Agriculture
On Tuesday 2 June 2026, representatives from HallMark Veterinary & Compliance Services were delighted to attend the U.S. Food and Drink Extravaganza at the U.S. Embassy in London, held to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary of independence and to recognise the longstanding contribution of American agriculture to international trade.
The event, hosted by Anita Katial, Agricultural Counselor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), brought together government representatives, industry leaders and trade stakeholders to celebrate "America's 250 Years of Food, Drink and Agriculture" and to highlight the important and evolving relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Representing HallMark were:
Luis Castromil, Head of Official Controls
Irma Iglesias, Portal Official Veterinarian
Teodora Petre, Portal Official Veterinarian
The event provided an excellent opportunity to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders from across government and industry, including representatives from the USDA, Defra, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), HM Treasury, Ministerial Offices, Port Health Authorities, importers and trade associations.
Discussions covered a wide range of topics relevant to international trade and food imports.
For HallMark's imports team, the event offered valuable opportunities to strengthen existing relationships, exchange knowledge with key stakeholders and gain further insight into developments that may influence future trade and border operations.
Alongside the networking and discussions, attendees enjoyed an impressive showcase of American food and drink products, highlighting the diversity, innovation and quality of the U.S. agricultural sector. One of the standout features of the event was a specially created cake celebrating America's 250th anniversary, accompanied by a display of red, white and blue themed desserts.
HallMark would like to thank the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Embassy in London for the invitation and for hosting such an informative and well-organised event.
As a provider of Official Controls, veterinary certification and import inspection services across the UK, HallMark values opportunities to engage with partners across the international trade community and to contribute to discussions that support safe, effective and efficient food trade.
HallMark representatives attending the U.S. Embassy's Food, Drink and Agriculture Extravaganza in London.
A special cake created to celebrate America's 250th anniversary of independence.
HallMark's Luis Castromil, Irma Iglesias and Teodora Petre at the U.S. Embassy event.
The event brought together representatives from government, regulators, industry and international trade organisations.
