The brand has also launched 31 new lines exclusively for the French marketplace, including a bespoke range of 14 exclusive organic flavours, along with four mini bars, three chocolate and granola bars and 10 of its popular 100g bars – all with new French language packaging.
Founded in 2011 by Matt and Teri Legon, Norfolk-based Gnaw produces a range of artisan chocolate bars, liqueur hot chocolate shots and other nibbles, using natural, locally sourced ingredients.
The company now exports to over 20 countries, including Japan, Russia and Morocco, launching its range in six new countries in the first half of 2018. It recently signed a £1m contract with a retailer in Russia to launch its single-origin chocolate Brooke & Amble range.
Its international success has led the business to invest significantly into its Norwich factory, and grow its workforce by 20% in 2018, with further jobs expected to be created next year.
With recent enquiries from Israel and the possibility of supplying a further 250 stores in Germany, Gnaw’s turnover for 2019 is forecast to reach £4.7m.
Matt Legon, founder of Gnaw, said: “If you are looking to build your business at a faster rate, then it is worth seriously considering the benefits exporting can bring – trading internationally has provided the cornerstone of what we have been able to achieve here at Gnaw.
“The Department for International Trade has also been a great support to the company over the last six years and has been a pillar of support throughout our exporting endeavours. I’d certainly drive any business looking to export to get in touch with their local DIT team.”
Thinley Topden, deputy head - East of England at the Department for International Trade, said: “The business saw the opportunity to export its products just two years after setting out as a business, exhibiting at major confectionery fair ISM. This led to significant orders from retailers in Finland and Norway, showing the value that attending trade shows can bring for small businesses.”
