Speciality Breads-xit as Kent Baker Begins to Export

Artisan baker Speciality Breads has continued its dramatic rise in the baking world after securing its first export deal and rolling out its breads abroad.

Clive Levene, one of Speciality Breads’ Regional Account Managers stepped up to the challenge of bringing on new business from overseas and has done so with remarkable speed.

With export one of new MD Simon Cannell’s ambitious objectives in 2017, MP Sir Roger Gale was at the bakery on Friday 24^th February to celebrate and see off the first order going to Malta.

Twenty lines have been taken on initially by Shoprite Malta including British classics such as traditional English rolls, sourdough rolls, cottage loaves and luxury cranberry teacakes, plus the baker’s continental classics such as brioche rolls, focaccia and ciabatta.

One of the leading wholesaler-distributors on the Mediterranean’s historic sunshine island, Shoprite Malta supply the finest hotels, bars and restaurants enjoyed by the islanders as well as the large numbers of tourists and expats.

Speciality Breads’ MD Simon Cannell commented:

“In addition to product innovation, export represents a key area for potential growth that does not conflict with our existing UK foodservice business. I’ve been surprised by the speed at which we’ve been able to export our first order but we’re absolutely delighted to be flying the flag for great British bread abroad.  Whilst Brexit no doubt poses many challenges for us in the months and years ahead there are always upsides and the current exchange rate really works in our favour at the moment, particularly when our breads are at the premium end of the market. As our first foray into the world of export, I appreciate that it can be a bit daunting for businesses, but the support that we’ve received from Kate at Department for International Trade has been invaluable in helping us to prepare and provide some great advice on where to focus our efforts.”

Sir Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, said:

“Speciality Breads is continuing to blaze a trail with innovative and unique new products and I am delighted that these new offers will have the opportunity to reach wider markets overseas. International trade is going to have to be at the forefront of the UK`s  trading future and I want local companies, like Speciality Breads, to be right up there at the front of our export drive.”

Speciality Breads is working closely with Shoprite Malta’s owner Tonio Ciantar, who initially came across the breads on his search for British products with a point of difference.  This includes a launch in Malta and a campaign to target the leading chefs on the island before the key holiday season begins.

Tonio Ciantar, the owner of Shoprite Malta, said:

“The look, taste and quality of the Speciality Breads’ range is incredible and provides us with a fantastic “best of British” selling point over our competitors.  Malta is a huge favourite of British holidaymakers so we want to ensure they can get the best quality breads even when they are away from home.”

Tom Fourcade, Department for International Trade, Director Export and Investments for Southern England, said:

“When we first met Speciality Breads at our Exporting is GREAT event in Ashford, last year, they had not seriously considered exporting. Since then we’ve provided export advice, guidance, and support in identifying their target export markets and we are delighted to see that bear fruit with their first export contract.

Economic research consistently shows that exporting helps companies grow and here in the South East the Department for International Trade is determined to help local companies, such as Speciality Breads, succeed in the global race. Through the Exporting is GREAT campaign we’re already working with thousands of companies across the region; and we want to help a great many more.”