Member Article

Cumbrian preserve producers relish overseas

A range of preserves made in the Lake District is proving to be a global hit this December, with a Christmas condiment selection from Hawkshead Relish.

The Cocktail Gift Box, containing items inspired by four different cocktails, is flying off the shelves from Australia to Estonia.

The gift contains Bloody Mary Chutney, Strawberry Daiquiri Jam, Margarita Jelly and Mojito Marmalade, and is ensuring that households across Europe and America will have a sweet Christmas this year.

Production takes place just south of Hawkshead in a beautifully restored 16th century barn on the edge of Esthwaite Water, before being shipped to shops and distributors in the UK and overseas.

Director of Hawkshead Relish, Maria Whitehead, MBE is one UKTI North West’s newest Export Champions, and will be working with UKTI to encourage companies to make the most of their overseas potential, inspiring and motivating those new to international trade, both by promoting the benefits of export her own companies’ successes and by sharing knowledge and experience.

Maria says: “A number of items in our catalogue have proved popular at this time of year, but the cocktail inspired range is definitely getting people in the Christmas spirit.

“The four preserves seem to have a universal appeal and are selling in a wide range of countries, though they seem to be particularly popular in Estonia and Sweden.

“Export orders are generally received at the beginning of November for European or air freight, with consignments bound for the United States and Australia leaving Hawkshead in October owing to sea freight taking much longer.

“Production has been increasingly re-scheduled year on year especially with seasonal products to meet the overseas demand.

“The summer months with Wimbledon in full swing are accompanied by the fragrant waft of warming winter spices over Hawkshead.

“Export sales for 2015 are expected to exceed 2014 by 20%, partially due to securing further foreign distributors as well as an ever expanding customer, sustained by a marketing strategy which supports the efforts of our overseas partners.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .