The UK is one of the largest exporters of quality-made food and drink destined for the Christmas table. Over £11 billion of British-made products were snapped up by international buyers in the first half of 2024 alone.
Throughout the year, Export Finance (UKEF) – a ministerial government department which helps businesses access trade finance – has been working with SME businesses to ensure they can meet global demand this festive season. Here’s four food and beverage focused examples…
Christmas shortbread
Seasonal demand for its hand-baked shortbread means that Dean’s of Huntly requires more working capital to ramp up production ahead of Christmas.
Earlier this year, the Scottish business – which was established in 1985 – used a £750k facility supported by UKEF to grow sales and maintain a stable cashflow ahead of December 2024.
Backed by the financing, Dean’s is exporting to a range of markets, including Germany, USA and China.
Novelty advent calendars
Based in Cheltenham, Gravity Drinks exports bespoke drinks packages to markets such as North America, Scandinavia and Japan.
Seasonal demand for its drinks means that Gravity Drinks requires additional working capital to increase production ahead of Christmas.
UKEF support helped the business to secure £1.5m in HSBC financing, which it has since used to a produce 35k units of Costco’s ‘Whisky Tour of the World’ advent calendar: a sell-out in 2024.
Organic whisky
Earlier this year, Scottish distillery Nc’Nean, based by Lochaline, secured a £1.4m deal which helped propel its sales in North America.
UKEF has extended continual support to companies producing and selling spirits around the country, capping this year with a £450k deal to support Glasgow company Ferguson Whisky.
“Whether its shortbread or whisky, advent calendars or toys, UK Export Finance is eager to support smaller businesses so they can reach new customers around the world,” said Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance.
“Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for exporters, and, for many, financing support is crucial to ensuring that they can fulfil their orders and paid. I encourage businesses seeking extra support to contact us to find out more about our products on offer.”
This year has also seen UKEF has launch a new online form to make it easier to apply for export insurance support.
