Suffolk jellies for international bellies

With the help of UK Trade & Investment, a Suffolk company that makes and sells home-made chilli jellies is building on its dramatic UK success by starting to export its products to a prestigious store in the Netherlands.

The Leiston business, jules & sharpie began in 2002 when they produced 100 jars of a Jamaican friend’s recipe for hot pepper jelly. Since then the two friends have developed nine more varieties which have won numerous awards and have a celebrity following as well as prestigious stockists.

jules & sharpie have recently signed up to the Passport to Export a scheme run by UK Trade & Investment for new and inexperienced exporters. A two-day workshop provided them with an abundance of advice, guidance and contacts to prepare for expanding their business in USA and Australia. The scheme will help them with market research and visits to the countries.

Frances Hopewell-Smith (sharpie) said: "It was great for us to be accepted onto the Passport to Export scheme because we were appointed our own adviser (Ashley Almond) who has been very supportive, knowledgeable and helpful. We've started exporting in a small way and will aim for the USA and Australia this time next year." 

Whilst attending the International Food & Drink exhibition in London a representative from the de Bijenkorf store in Amsterdam, which Sharpie describes as the equivalent of Harvey Nichols, approached jules & sharpie to supply a range of their jellies to the store. The first pallet was dispatched in October.

Ashley Almond Regional International Trade Adviser for UK Trade & Investment said: "jules and sharpie have that magic mix of customer-led products, business acumen, and passion for what they do. They have worked tirelessly to develop a premium brand in the UK and are committed to continuously learning and improving. That winning formula is now paying dividends in international markets, and it’s a pleasure to work with them. "

The range of ‘hot preservaments’, all featuring the distinctive Scotch Bonnet chillies, are: Mint, Apple & Sage, Very Hot, Cranberry, Redcurrant, ‘black label’ Extremely Hot Pepper Jelly, Hot Pear Chutney, Very Hot Mango Chutney and Hot Mmmarmalade.

The Passport to Export programme is an assessment and skills based series of workshops, which provide new and inexperienced exporters with the training, planning and ongoing support they need to succeed overseas.