Newcastle's answer to muddy pets lands $90k export deal with QVC

Cleaning device manufacturer Mud Daddy has secured an exporting deal with American shopping channel retail company QVC.

Specialising in making non-electrical cleaning devices for multiple purposes, including muddy pets and outdoor equipment, the company hopes to break into the wider US market with the $90k deal, which will see it partnering with a Pennsylvania fulfillment centre to distribute its products across North America and Canada.

As a result of increased international trade, Mud Daddy anticipates a turnover growth of 500% by the end of 2019, and has already made connections with European distributors and retailers at Germany’s Interzoo trade show in addition to its US growth.

Mud Daddy director Rez Gachcar said: “The US market is set to be massive for us, particularly as our product is multi-use and so appeals to a wide range of customer segments – everything from the pet market to sports and beyond.

“We started the business in 2017, and our export activity began almost from day one. Our initial strategy was focused on driving UK sales, but we soon found that we were receiving messages on social media from consumers in Europe and the US who were interested in buying our products.”

Newcastle-based Mud Daddy was able to expand internationally thanks to support from the regional branch of the Department for International Trade (DIT).

Rez explained: “I contacted the local DIT team here in the North East for advice on how to successfully introduce our products to new markets with international retailers and distributors, and they helped us meet the cost of travelling to the Interzoo show.

“That experience was invaluable in terms of networking, and we’re now set to secure a new export deal thanks to the connections we made there.”