Several companies working in and around the fresh produce industry have been recognised within the Sunday Times' SME Export Track 100.
The ranking lists British small and medium-sized enterprises with the fastest-growing international sales, and this year's list includes such companies as Kiddylicious in 13th place, Fentimans (30), Equator Design (34), Packaging Automation (47) andVegware (50).
Kiddylicious, which was formed by ex-M&S food scientist Sally Preston, makes baby and toddler snacks including tomato, kale and spinach straws, rice wafers and puffed pea pod snaps. They are sold in Carrefour and Aldi stores across Asia and Europe, and in Walgreens and Toys R Us in the US. Bespoke product development for new markets helped international sales hit £1.3 million in 2015, according to the Sunday Times, a figure the firm plans to double this year as it expands its foreign markets from 22 to 30 countries.
Fentimans has been infusing, blending and botanically brewing ingredients such as ginger, juniper and burdock to create its mixers and soft drinks since 1905. Six years ago, the company started focusing on exports and it now sells to more than 70 countries. Strong sales in the US, Belgium and Austria helped overseas sales grow to an annualised £5.9m in 2015.
Food packaging consultancy Equator Design came up with the own-label packaging for Aldi stores in the US and Ireland, whilePackaging Automation designs and makes machines used for high-speed wrapping and sealing of food, as well as meal trays and pots.
Vegware uses compostable, plant-based materials, such as waste from sugar cane, to make its range of more than 250 different types of cutlery, cups and takeaway packaging. Its clients include contract caterers, food distributors and high street delicatessens.
Of its inclusion, Packaging Automation commercial director Sam Ashton said: “We are proud to be a British manufacturer and our ambitious young management team have set their sights on growing the business through product innovation and new overseas markets. Export sales is an important aspect of this strategy and we are delighted to have been identified as one of the top 100 SME exporters in the UK.”
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