Buttermilk Confectionery heads to Hong Kong

Buttermilk, the Cornish artisan confectioner, is taking its sweet treats to confectionery lovers across the world thanks to an ambitious new export strategy. 

The new strategy, which the company hopes will double the amount of products it exports, follows the opening of a new kitchen in Bodmin in 2015 which has enabled the company to increase production significantly.  

Distribution of the handmade artisan fudge has increased at outlets across the UK and also overseas including Europe and New Zealand.  

Buttermilk is one of a number of producers in the region taking traditional British products to a worldwide audience.  On hand to help is the Department for International Trade (DIT) and its Exporting is GREAT campaign, an initiative which consolidates the export support available to companies. 

Paul Shand, Regional Director, DIT SW, said:

“Buttermilk is not alone in recognising the potential to take their very traditional products to a global audience. We are supporting many local businesses keen to make the most of opportunities overseas. 

Of course exporting food and drink products has its own particular hurdles including packaging, labelling, logistics and shelf life. These are all areas where our team of expert advisers can provide information and advice.  

“There is a huge appetite for UK food and drink products in overseas market, something that Buttermilk is capitalising on and we’ve been delighted to play a part in help them realise their ambitions.” 

Buttermilk has been preparing for this next stage of growth over the last two years including launching a new brand to appeal to a wide range of audiences whilst reflecting the company’s Cornish heritage. 

Buttermilk has turned to DIT for support in a number of different areas, including help in identifying markets and advice on packaging and logistics.  They have also benefited from working with DIT’s digital team to develop an international e-commerce strategy.

Olivia Hope-Hawkins, Marketing Director, Buttermilk said: “We have always attracted customers from across the world, many of whom first discovered us on trips to Cornwall, but we believe now is the time to move forward with a more proactive strategy. DIT has been on hand every step of the way, answering queries and putting us in touch with the right people at the right time.

“We have already found distributors in a number of markets who are now supplying our products to specialist shops in the US and Hong Kong and we are currently in discussions with distributors in Australasia and the Middle East. The combination of this and our e-commerce strategy will help us reach our goal of doubling our exports over the next couple of years.”