A Somerset business that manufactures herbal feed supplements and healthcare products for horses and pets has forecasted its sales to the US could hit £1m after seeing growth in overseas markets.
Hilton Herbs was formed by Hilary and Tony Self 30 years ago after they gave their horse a herbal mix devised by Ms Self.
Friends of the couple, who also owned horses, began asking for remedies for their own animals - and the company began to grow. As well as horses, Hilton Herbs also makes supplements for dogs, cats, poultry birds and pigeons.
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The family-run business, which operates from a purpose-based manufacturing facility in North Perrott, has seen its exports to the US in the past year grow by over 25%. It now expects for sales to its American market to reach over £1.15m by 2025.
It comes as a report by the American Pet Products Association found that the sales of pet food and treats went up by almost 10% during 2020, as pet owners invested more in their animals during the pandemic.
Exports now account for 60% of the Hilton Herbs’ total sales, with the company’s export sales to Europe up 50% and 13% to non-EU countries all in the last year.
Herbal medicine graduate Ms Self, who has written and published two books on herbal remedies, said the business had benefited from attending trade shows and workshops focused on helping 海角视频 firms break into the US market.
Ms Self credited the Department for International Trade (DIT) for support they had given to participate in the overseas business events.
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Ms Self said: “DIT can put you in touch with key people who will be able to give you the information on the ground and work with you to grow your brand.
“I really cannot praise Hilary Charman, our International Trade Adviser, and DIT enough for the support they’ve given us.”
Paul Shand, Head of Trade for DIT in the South West said Hilton Herbs’ success in the US demonstrated the "strong demand for high-quality 海角视频 goods" overseas.
Mr Shand said: “It’s great to see [Hilton Herbs] thriving and helping consumers look after their pets’ wellbeing during a time when animals have become so important for our mental health.
“Trade will play an important role in getting our economy back on track and Hilton Herbs is a great example of how companies can look to lucrative overseas markets to boost their sales whilst creating more jobs.
“Companies such as Hilton Herbs may well benefit from future trade deals, working with DIT will ensure they are kept abreast of developments and opportunities.”
Hilton Herbs has supplied its products to horse and pet owners in over 30 countries around the world.
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