Essex-based farm, Wicks Manor, has doubled its export revenue during lockdown by exporting bacon and sausages to markets across Asia and the Middle East.
With support from the Department for International Trade (DIT), the family farm has since targeted supermarkets in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Wicks Manor is also preparing to resume supplying its pork products to eateries across the country following the reopening of foodservice across the UK.
During the coronavirus lockdown, the company faced a sharp drop in sales to pubs and restaurants, which typically account for 45% of its revenue.
However, since April, exports have increased by 100% with Wicks Manor supplying products to customers worldwide.
“Exporting will play a vital role in the UK’s economic recovery from the coronavirus, and my department is committed to delivering greater export opportunities for UK businesses through new free trade agreements."
Owner of Wicks Manor, Fergus Howie, said: “Our exports would usually account for 20% of sales, however since April we have been able to increase them to 40%.
“The importance of diversifying our sales across different markets has been laid bare during this difficult time. We are now focused on maintaining export growth while preparing to return to supplying pubs and restaurants.
“We’re grateful to the Department for International Trade for the support they have provided in securing new routes to market, and I would certainly encourage other UK food producers to do the same.”
The business started exporting in 2010 when it secured a contract with a supermarket in Dubai. Since then it has expanded to 10 new markets in Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
International trade secretary, Liz Truss, said: “Even in these challenging times, businesses like Wicks Manor are showing that there is a clear appetite for British produce around the world.
“Exporting will play a vital role in the UK’s economic recovery from the coronavirus, and my department is committed to delivering greater export opportunities for UK businesses through new free trade agreements.
“Now, more than ever, we need UK businesses to follow in the footsteps of exporters like Wicks Manor and showcase their produce on the world stage.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
