A Merseyside chocolate machine maker has won a large contract with one of the Philippines' largest food and drinks firms.
DTG Finn says it has beaten competitors from across Europe to a £193,000 exporting contract with retailer Universal Robina Corporations (URC).
The Wirral-based firm is "globally recognised" for its chocolate coating and polishing machine, and is responsible for the coating on many products made by Hershey's and Cadbury's.
The contract win was announced on Wednesday, and Lyn Pitt, managing director, said: “We are very proud to have been awarded our latest contract win and having the opportunity to work with the excellent team of confectioners and engineers in Manilla – a strategic relationship that will take both companies successfully into the future.”
A team of five, who are said to be leading the way in innovation and the development of confectionery technology, the company currently exports its chocolate equipment to over 70 countries around the world including the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Venezuela, Mexico, South Africa and Japan.
The business has a current annual turnover of £700,000 but with increasing exports, it hopes that figure increases by at least 200% over the next three years - with further plans to expand into the Columbian market.
The chocolate machine manufacturer was previously recognised by the Queen for its services to international trade, and received an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in 2015.
Prior to the most recent contract win, the firm was threatened to be undercut by a European company that promised to offer its equipment to the retailer at a much lower cost.
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But having supplied its confectionery equipment to chocolate brands across the world and being "well-respected" for its design, innovation, service and expertise within the engineering industry, the company still secured the URC contract, with support from the Department for International Trade (DIT).
Ms Pitt added: “The support from my DIT International Trade Advisors has given me a greater understanding of the whole exporting process and continued confidence to explore new global markets going forward. They have definitely been instrumental in the continued success of my company.”
Paul Stowers, head of 海角视频 regions for North West at the DIT, said: “This is a great example of how the quality of 海角视频 products and the reputation of British businesses are trumping competitors across the world.
"DTG may be a niche company but they are dominating the global stage when it comes to belt coating and polishing, and this should inspire other similar businesses to consider the benefits of exporting.
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“I would urge any North West business with international ambitions to get in touch and see how DIT can help – If [they] can find success internationally then so can other 海角视频 manufactures.”