Symington’s secures £6m export deal
The deal will see the manufacturer’s Naked Noodle brand stocked in 3,000 Walmart stores across the US – reportedly the biggest supermarket chain in the country.
Symington’s will be supplying five variants of the noodles to the supermarket: Thai Sweet Chilli, Thai Green Curry, Japanese Teriyaki, Chinese Chow Mein and Singapore Curry.
Commenting on the brand’s international success, export manager Scott Hall said: “Symington’s has enjoyed great success across both domestic and global markets. This deal with Walmart is fantastic news for our business and reflective of the growing strength of our Naked brand.
Huge potential
“The relationship with Walmart holds huge potential for both companies. We are excited about building on this initial success into 2020 and beyond, as we look to emulate Naked’s phenomenal UK growth in the States.”
The Naked brand – which also includes rice pots and soups – is now worth £22m at retail and is growing at over 40% year-on-year, according to Symington’s. The manufacturer is targeting $10m (£7.9m) in retail sales value in the US over the next two years.
Mark Robson, head of Yorkshire and The Humber at the Department for International Trade (DIT), welcomed Symington’s export win, which showcased the ability for Leeds-based goods and services to excel on the world stage.
Global opportunities
“With a packed programme of trade missions and industry events over the next six months, the Northern Powerhouse team at DIT is ready to get even more businesses from Yorkshire making the most of global opportunities,” he added.
“Following the UK’s departure from the EU, new trade deals and freeports will turbocharge investment and bring new opportunities and better jobs for people in our region.”
Meanwhile, Symington’s is one of the finalists at next year’s Food Manufacture Excellence Awards, nominated for its export expertise. Visit the Awards website to find out who else is in the running and book your ticket to attend the food industry’s Oscars.
