ExportExchange patron Harrogate Spring Water has agreed its first US export deals as the company continues its global expansion.

The Harrogate-based bottled water business has secured an order from gourmet grocery chain Central Market, which has ten stores across Texas, as well as a distribution deal with The Chef’s Warehouse, which has 15 stores throughout the US and Canada.

The deals were agreed after the company received assistance from the Food is GREAT campaign, a cross-departmental initiative run by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for International Trade (DIT).

International trade advisers (ITAs) from the DIT put the company in contact with US buyers who were visiting Yorkshire businesses in September last year.

Harrogate Spring Water is also aiming to export to the Middle East after attending last year’s Gulfood event, the world’s largest annual food and drink trade show held in Dubai.

With current exports already destined for a wide range of countries, including Vietnam, Russia, Spain, Poland and Barbados, Harrogate Spring Water is planning further international expansion with help from the ITAs. The company is currently exploring new markets, such as Japan, and is aiming to boost its exports by 20 per cent during the next five years.

"Our ITAs have helped us find new markets and bridge any regulatory barriers required to export to them," said Greg Hatton, Harrogate Water’s export and business development manager.

"For example, when selling to the US, we must ensure our labels meet health-specific regulations.

We've also learnt that as the oldest bottled water brand in the UK, dating back to 1571 and first bottled in 1740, our heritage appeals to overseas consumers."

Mark Robson, the DIT’s head of region for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Harrogate Spring Water’s exporting success is testament to a strong growth plan and effective use of the support available from our team here in Yorkshire."