United Biscuits predicts 100 percent increase in UK exports
United Biscuits (UB), a leading international manufacturer of biscuits, cakes and snacks, has announced a 50 percent jump in its total exports from the UK over the past three years and anticipates a further 50 percent rise by 2020.
Britain is the central export hub for the UB business globally, with some 60,000 tones of product to be shipped from the UK across 2015, worth a total of GBP 250m in retail sales for the year.
Two thirds of this comprised UB’s iconic McVitie’s Digestives range boom in popularity. Exports for the original McVitie’s Digestive alone have increased by 20 per cent year-on-year in 2015.
UB’s exports from UK reach over 100 countries worldwide, with a core focus on four key regions: Africa, the Middle East, India and China. This drive supports the recent FDF UK food and drink export statistics, highlighting a rise in biscuit exports between 2014 and 2015.
UB has invested significantly in UB’s Harlesden facility in West London, the biggest biscuit factory in Europe, which currently produces about a sixth of its output specifically for export. A further GBP 15m of planned investment in 2016 which will help improve the site’s capacity and boost its export potential further.
Jeff van der Eems, CEO of United Biscuits, comments: “At United Biscuits we have established a strong track record of success in finding consumers worldwide who love our iconic McVitie’s British biscuits. Whether through exporting or manufacturing locally, our international development model is central to UB’s strategy for growth and will involve continued investment in our UK sites.
Van der Eems explained the company focused in particular on making McVitie’s Digestives a truly global product. Finding appropriate ways to introduce McVitie’s to consumers on all continents has helped the exports boom and will continue to drive investment in Harlesden and other UK sites. “This is a major reason for our success and the booming export figures for McVitie’s this year, and we are investing in our capacity to continue feeding the global demand for our biscuits and baked snacks”, he continued.
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: “It’s fantastic to see a great British company like United Biscuits making this commitment today to boost exports of their iconic range of brands over the next five years. Their bold decision-making shows that Britain is standing tall in the world and demonstrates that businesses built here are able to capitalize on opportunities in global markets – a key part of this Government’s plan to build a stronger economy.”
Related articles:
Profile: United Biscuits Makes a Brand New Move
United Biscuits tested the new biscuit packaging system Bosch Two-in-One