Case studies

ORGANIC HERB COMPANY ENJOYS THE TASTE OF INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

Hambleden Herbs, based near Devizes in Wiltshire, specialises in teas and infusions, herbal remedies and herbs and spices – all of which are strictly organic. Hambleden was looking for companies that can offer wholesale distribution in the organic food sector across Europe.

The firm first began back in 1982 on an organic herb farm in the small village of Hambleden in the Oxfordshire countryside. In 1985 its dried herb range was launched and at the time was the only certified organic range of dried herbs in the UK.

With the launch of the organic herbal tea range four years later, Hambleden Herbs was fast becoming the brand of choice for the informed consumer.

It stipulated any partner company should already be involved in the supply of organic foods and have existing contacts in the fine foods supply chain.

The brand has heritage going back nearly 30 years and all ingredients are organically certified, the end product is organic (bio) certified and all products have batch traceability.

Hugh Eakins, sales and marketing manager said: “We were keen to expand into Europe and get advice, guidance and contacts about how to go about it. “After registering on the EEN database, we were matched with a Finnish importer, giving us welcome interest in our brand, following excellent advice from EEN.”

Hambleden has a strong position within the UK fine foods market and has a growing reputation outside of the UK based on the quality, heritage and reputation of its products.

It currently has 25 organic tea products in its range, including organic rooibos & liquorice, nettle and lemon grass and ginger. It is also the oldest recorded commercial enterprise recognised by the Soil Association, dating back to 1982.

Simon Henton, who provides free information to businesses on behalf of EEN South West, said: “We are pleased that we have been able to help them find the suitable European business partners they need to help move their business into a global marketplace.”

For further information, please contact Enterprise Europe Network on 01275 370 997