Jordans & Ryvita Company boosts exports by 60%
The manufacturer uses oats grown by British farmers to sell in more than 70 countries worldwide, including Canada and the United Arab Emirates. Last year the business launched Dorset Cereals in Australia.
International sales now make up a third of The Jordan & Ryvita Company’s overall business. Setting up dedicated in-market teams worldwide helped the manufacturer grow the value of its exports from £57M to £91M. The marketing teams have helped to boost exports to key markets including France and Canada.
Export sales of its County Crisp range were said to now outstrip sales in the UK and Ireland.
The environment secretary visited the company’s head office and production facilities in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire to learn first-hand how the company has boosted exports. Another aim was to highlight how the Great British Food Unit was helping food businesses exploit new international markets.
‘Ingenuity of our food businesses’
Andrea Leadsom said: “There’s a growing demand around the globe for quality British food and it’s easy to see why – thanks to the hard work of our farmers and the ingenuity of our food businesses – we’ve built a reputation for being the best in quality, innovation and tradition.
“Through our Great British Food Unit I want to help more companies send their top quality food and drink around the globe.”
Jordans & Ryvita ceo Paul Murphy said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to show the environment secretary Jordan’s facilities in Biggleswade, where we employ almost 400 people and bake delicious wholegrain breakfast cereals and bars using locally grown and milled British grain.
“As we grow as a business, we’re selling more and more of our great products around the world and ensuring this continues is a big priority for us. This visit is acknowledgement of the hard work of all our team in making a successful British food business that can compete with the very best in the world.”
Investment of £2.5M
The Biggleswade factory has received investment of £2.5M over the past 12 months directed towards boosting capacity. In recent months the business has recruited an extra 23 staff.
Further investment of several million pounds is planned for the coming year.
The Jordan & Ryvita Company was one of six manufacturers shortlisted in the ambient category of the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards.
Meanwhile, don’t miss next Monday’s exclusive video interview with the DEFRA boss focusing on how Brexit may affect the future of the 100,000 EU nationals currently working in the UK food and drink sector.
