A South Kirkby based ice cube manufacturer has signed two major export contracts with pan-European supermarkets, sending ice made from Yorkshire water to consumers across the continent.

The Ice Co secured the deals after international trade advisers from the DIT helped identify buyers and set up meetings for the company. This success follows the firm’s major contract win in 2016 when it secured a deal to supply supermarkets in the UAE, where the large ex-pat population prefer ice produced from the UK’s high-quality water.

The company secured its latest deal after visiting Germany’s Anuga trade show, and was supported by the Food is GREAT campaign, the cross-government programme covering the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Department for International Trade (DIT), which aims to boost the profile of UK food and drink products abroad.

The Ice Co believes that an important element of its overseas success has been having a cost-effective logistics plan which enables it to compete with local producers as well as major European counterparts.

Sales director at The Ice Co, Nick Brennand, said: “Our latest deal with two major pan-European supermarkets is a real coup for the business, and shows the changing habits of European consumers. Convenience bags of ice have been popular in the UK for a while, and we’re starting to see that trend move across Europe too.

“Government trade advisers have been invaluable in helping us find retail buyers to serve our product, and we’ve received a variety of support, ranging from market research to networking opportunities. For businesses looking to export, it’s important to understand international consumers’ habits and to ensure you make the most of the support available. There’s nothing stopping other local food and drink producers from exporting like us.”

Mark Robson, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at the DIT added: “The Ice Co’s smart logistics strategy, ingenuity, and well thought export plan, has allowed their convenience bags of ice to be enjoyed in homes across the world.

“The firm’s success demonstrates the vast potential and possibilities to export food and drink, and I hope their achievements inspire fellow Yorkshire firms to start their journey in selling overseas.”

Exports sales of Yorkshire food and drink rose to £1.2bn in the year to June 2018, showing 7.9% growth on the previous year.