Ludlow Nut Company in muesli Japanese trade deal

The deal for 2,400 units of luxury fruit, nut and seed muesli was the Shropshire-based manufacturer’s first major deal with a Japanese firm. The healthy foods maker now exports to seven countries, including Hong Kong, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia and Spain.

Ludlow Nut Company co-owner Helen Graham said: “We are delighted to add Japan to our portfolio of export markets, and it’s excellent news for the business as we aim to continue growing.”​

‘Portfolio of export markets’​

The deal came after Graham visited Japan in March 2016 to look for potential buyers – a trip organised by the Department for International Trade (DIT) West Midlands.

“Before we went on the visit, we had no knowledge of the Japanese market, let alone any contacts,”​ said Graham. “But, while we were there, the DIT set up appointments for us, one of which was with Minato Shokai. ​

“We also received valuable cultural information and had excellent help on the ground that has helped us to secure this contract.”​

Negotiate a trade deal​

Minato Shokai has since met the Ludlow Nut Company a number of times to negotiate a trade deal, Graham said.

A deal for 2,400 units of muesli – retailing at £4.75 each – was agreed on Monday (January 30).

Meanwhile, export sales to the Far East increased for meat producer Cranswick in the three months to December 31, it reported this week (February 2). Demand for British products from the region was the driving force behind its boosted sales.