Bickfords used Covid to expand exports

Diversified beverage company Bickford’s broke the trend away from globalisation during the Covid-19 pandemic, inaugurating exports to eight new countries in the past 12 months.

The company, well known for its cordials, has just annnounced its latest new market – Texas.

The 175 year old company has begun exporting its new plant-based milk products and traditional sodas to Texas, adding to existing sales in California.

The initial export deal comes as a result of the state Department for Trade and Investment’s Houston office liaising with retailer Central Market comprising 350 stores to pitch SA products.

A pitching presentation in partnership with Food SA, saw Central Market select nine SA exporters to supply products for its stores, with the first deals worth US$150,000.

Bickford’s international sales manager Simon Sparrow said: “Seeing more of our Bickford’s brands in additional markets such, as Texas, can only help build the Bickford’s brand awareness in the US.

“We are always looking to expand our global footprint with the Bickford’s brand and we currently export to more than 40 countries around the world.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic we added many new international distributors and major retailers to our portfolio and in turn, opened up eight new markets during the past 12 months, with more to come.”

Picture: Bickfords

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