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GOOGLE IT My export map
Andy Jones of Leicestershire-based confectionery and fine foods company Chambers explains how it broke into the lucrative Asian market
Southeast Asian Economic Outlook 2013 - Organisation for Economic Development
We started to look for new export possibilities in 2009 when the European and North American economies were starting to stagnate. Despite these continuing to be important territories for us, we also wanted to explore new opportunities in the growing markets of Asia.
East Midlands - UK Trade & Investment www.ukti.gov.uk/eastmidlands
We sought guidance from our brilliant UK Trade & Investment International Trade Adviser, Sharon McCarthy. She helped us with everything from planning, through to connecting us with local in-market experts and directing us to any financial support that was available.
Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS) www.ukti.gov.uk/emrs
A key challenge was finding a trusted network of distributors across Asia who could convert market opportunities into sales and guide us through the cultural, social, economic and political landscapes of each country. To help us with this, we used UK Trade & Investment’s distributor questionnaire/checklist to gain a better insight and understanding of each distributor’s capabilities and resources.
DHL | Customs Regulations for China | English http://bit.ly/dhlchina
Working with our appointed agent in China, we started to put together a portfolio of traditional British confectionery products we thought would appeal to Chinese consumers. Before we could do any trading, we had to satisfy Chinese customs regulations by providing samples, specifications and ingredient information to our distributor to ensure they were completely compliant.
UK Trade & Investment | Doing Business in China http://bit.ly/uktichina
We are now experiencing real success in China and are building our business in South Korea and Japan. I see my Chinese distributors at least twice a year, once at ISM in Cologne and then during a visit to China for a major food and drink show in Shanghai in May. I know that they really value the time we spend together and, as is the business etiquette there, I always take them a small memento from the UK.
Getting Paid & Financial Issues – China-Britain Business Council http://bit.ly/cbbcpaid
We then had to agree payment methods. Our distributor initially wanted to work on a letter of credit system. However, on sizing up the risks and doing the necessary credit checks, we proposed an alternative 50 per cent up front and 50 per cent on receipt of goods arrangement, which our distributor accepted.
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