Japanese are going nuts for Shropshire muesli manufacturer
A muesli manufacturer from Shropshire has secured its first-ever order from Japan following a visit to the country on a trade mission.
The Ludlow Nut Company will send 2,400 boxes of its luxury fruit, nut and seed muesli to the Far East after winning an order from Tokyo-based wholesaler Minato Shokai Co. The company's president Masahiko Sugiyama visited the Ludlow factory to see the produce this week.
The businesses first crossed paths on a food and drink trade mission organised by the Shropshire branch of the Department for International Trade last March.
Helen Graham, who co-owns the company with her husband, Bob, said: "Before we went on the visit, we had no knowledge of the Japanese market, let alone any contacts.
"But while we were there, DIT set up appointments for us, one of which was with Minato Shokai.
"We are delighted to add Japan to our portfolio of export markets and is excellent news for the business as we aim to continue growing."
Gerald Whitworth, international trade adviser for DIT Shropshire, said after The Ludlow Nut Company was achieving about £4,000 of exports every month after working with the overseas trade body.
He said: "Helen and her team are excellent examples of what can be achieved when you do the right research and make an effort to understand your target market.
"There is demand for premium products in Japan and The Ludlow Nut Company's success demonstrates that even a small company in rural Shropshire can make its mark on the global business stage."
The company, which employs eight people and which is co-owned by Helen's husband Bob Graham, already exports to Hong Kong, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia and Spain.
It is soon moving to a larger home at Foldgate Lane, Ludlow.
It is also hoping to take on additional staff once they move into their new premises and is targeting new markets over the next 12-18 months.
