Waitrose to build on export success with premium brands

WAITROSE yesterday announced plans to expand its own-label export business by selling products from brands including Cornish Sea Salt, Windsor and Eton Brewery and Pooch and Mutt pet food.

In the last financial year, Waitrose saw a 30 per cent uplift in its export business, which provides its own brand label products to markets ranging from Chile to South Africa and Japan.

David Morton, Waitrose director of business to business, said that there was “a significant appetite from retailers overseas for the premium British brands and niche brands from smaller producers that we sell in our UK shops – and we’re developing our export business in response to that demand.”

Waitrose said it had seen “phenomenal demand” in Chile for products such as Essential Mayonnaise after striking a deal with Unimarc supermarkets.

Meanwhile in Japan, typically British products, such as Duchy Originals from Waitrose Jam and biscuits are among its best sellers.