Member Article

Kirkstall chocolatiers go global for Valentine’s Day with export deal

Kirkstall-based Lauden Chocolate is now selling its high-end products globally after a partnership with FedEx.

Beginning life in the founders’ home kitchen, Lauden Chocolate’s husband and wife team have been producing chocolates since 2008.

Lauden Chocolate now exports around the world to countries including Russia, China and Japan.

As well as capitalising on a unique Valentine’s Day tradition in Japan, where every business owner in the country gifts their employees with chocolates, Lauden Chocolate supplies a variety of premium retailers, Michelin-starred restaurants and British Airways first class with its fine chocolates.

Gift expenditure predictions for Britain remain unwaveringly high each year at this time, with an estimated £595 million spent on cards and gifts such as flowers and chocolates in 2014 alone according to a Real Business.

FedEx enables delivery of temperature and time-sensitive products, so Lauden Chocolate can be delivered worldwide including to countries with hot climates.

Trevor Hoyle, vice president, Operations, Northern Europe, FedEx Express said: “To access the growth in emerging markets, UK SMEs need to be astute in identifying new trading opportunities and quickly accessing these new markets.

“As they don’t have the time or expertise to focus on the infrastructure and delivery of products, they need to work with a reliable express transportation provider who they can trust to help them understand the challenges of cross border trading and ultimately deliver their products on time.

“An example close to my heart, of an SME which is flourishing beyond its own border, is Lauden Chocolate, an artisanal chocolatier which is reaping the rewards of international connectivity and experiencing sweet success the world over.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .