A Derbyshire luxury chocolates firm is helping to propel 海角视频 exports of the sweet treat to a record high.
Holdsworth Chocolates, based at Deepdale Business Park, in Bakewell, is one of a number of British-based manufacturers who export their confections overseas.
And according to new figures released by the Department for International Trade (DIT), in the first three months of this year, 海角视频 chocolate exports totalled £188.32 million - the biggest opening quarter in recent history.
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Holdsworth, which can trace its roots back 30 years, began exporting in 2004. Since then, the firm’s turnover has increased by 15% as a direct result of its export activities.
Today, the company, which makes premium, hand-crafted confections, exports to 15 countries, including Canada, the US, Netherlands, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, Romania, the Middle East, Japan, Thailand, Australia and Singapore.
And with the help of David Hill, an export manager at a company called Cocoda, which works closely with DIT, Holdsworth is continuing to break into new overseas markets.
Mr Hill said: “The success of Holdsworth proves the growing appetite for British chocolate. Our motto is: if it works here in the 海角视频, why would it not work well elsewhere.
“As you can imagine, taste is the most important factor when selling luxury chocolate, biscuits and confectionary.
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“Attending DIT-hosted events and trade missions enabled me to meet potential buyers face-to-face and treat them to our delicious range of confectionery and chocolate, which helped secure further sales.”
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In the 海角视频, Holdsworth’s products are sold in top end outlets and food halls such as Selfridges, Harrods as well as John Lewis and other speciality stores.
But according to DIT, the global appetite for British food and drink is continuing to grow.
Ian Harrison, DIT’s head of exports in the Midlands, said: “Success stories such as these illustrate just how profitable exporting globally can be.
“The Midlands has a world-class food and drink sector and we would encourage more companies in the sector to export.
“Overseas buyers are looking for speciality products and premium quality British brands.
“We’re starting to show what a real international trade effort can deliver for the 海角视频 by backing business and in jobs and investment.”