Local ice manufacturer secures two major European export deals

A South Kirkby ice cube manufacturer has secured two export contracts with pan-European supermarkets.

The Ice Co - Europe’s largest manufacturer of ice products - landed the deals after government International Trade Advisers identified buyers and arranged meetings for the firm.

Its success follows on from the company securing a contract in 2016 to supply supermarkets in the UAE, where the large ex-pat population prefer ice manufactured in the UK, due to the quality of water.

Nick Brennand, sales director at The Ice Co, said: “Our latest deal with two major pan-European supermarkets is a real coup for the business, and shows the changing habits of European consumers.

“Convenience bags of ice have been popular in the UK for a while, and we’re starting to see that trend move across Europe too.

“Government trade advisers have been invaluable in helping us find retail buyers to serve our product, and we’ve received a variety of support, ranging from market research to networking opportunities.

“For businesses looking to export, it’s important to understand international consumers’ habits and to ensure you make the most of the support available. There’s nothing stopping other local food and drink producers from exporting like us.”

The firm secured the UAE deal after attending the Anuga trade show in Germany with support from the Food is GREAT campaign, the cross-government campaign to boost awareness of UK food and drink products overseas between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Department for International Trade (DIT).

Mark Robson, head of regions for Yorkshire and the Humber at DIT, added: “The Ice Co’s smart logistics strategy, ingenuity, and well thought export plan, has allowed their convenience bags of ice to be enjoyed in homes across the world.

“The firm’s success demonstrates the vast potential and possibilities to export food and drink, and I hope their achievements inspire fellow Yorkshire firms to start their journey in selling overseas.”

Exports of Yorkshire food and drink hit £1.2bn in the year to June 2018, said to be an increase of 7.9 per cent on the year before.