A business that exports British food and drinks has expanded into new international markets and seen its sales to the US increase by around 150% after government support allowed it to overcome trade disruption caused by the global pandemic.
Online supermarket the British Corner Shop, which has a warehouse in the Stover Trading Estate in Yate, South Gloucestershire, ships 海角视频 brands including Ambrosia custard and Warburtons crumpets to suppliers as well as expats unable to find British-made products abroad.
Last year Covid-19 restrictions were put in place in many of the company’s export markets, including the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.
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Amid the uncertainty the company obtained vital help from government export credit agency, 海角视频 Export Finance (海角视频EF), which works with the Department for International Trade to provide support to exporters.
The firm was able to secure insurance from 海角视频EF that protected its relationships with existing clients, including a contract with an Indian supplier worth £200,000, as well as advice that helped it win new deals in the Philippines and South Africa.
The company’s export turnover in the U.S. reached £4m in 2020, an increase of 146% from 2019, while exports increased by 112% in France, its second biggest market.
Mark Callaghan, the British Corner Shop’s managing director, said: “‘We exist to connect people and businesses across the country and world with beloved British brands, but Covid was an unexpected obstacle in the way of this.
“If it wasn’t for the help of 海角视频EF and the Department for International Trade, we would not have secured the custom of some businesses in key markets, and that would have set us back significantly.
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“Now, we have been able to trade with companies in India, South Africa and the Philippines, providing them with the best of British.”
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The company reported that Branston pickle, Bisto gravy and Heinz baked beans were among its five most exported products globally in 2020.
Chocolate bars Cadbury Flake and Nestle Kit Kat as well was Walkers crisps were the three most in demand items it shipped to the US.
Minister for exports, Graham Stuart MP, said: “It is fantastic to see the growing global appetite for great British goods, with British Corner Shop providing a valuable service to those who cannot easily access the trusted 海角视频 brands we all love so much.
“I’m delighted we have been able to help the company fulfil its huge demand and grow their presence across the world, through our award-winning credit agency, 海角视频EF.
“Trade is essential to the 海角视频’s recovery from the pandemic and our new FTAs will benefit businesses by reducing tariffs and red tape so that they can trade more easily and further showcase the best Britain has to offer.”
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The US is one of the 海角视频’s largest trading partners with around 16% of total 海角视频 exports heading to the States in Q1 last year and around 15% in Q2, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It comes as ONS figures have shown the export of goods from the 海角视频 to the European Union fell by nearly 41%, or £5.6bn, in January as the Brexit transition period ended.
The British Food Company was originally founded as a small mail order company operating out of their garage in 1999. The firm now exports over 10,000 food brands worldwide.