Artisan and ethical chocolatier Gnaw wins major export account after ISM showcase

British chocolate brand Gnaw has secured a major new account, with the help of The Department for International Trade (DTI) worth in excess of €5m ($5.7m) with French retailers Carrefour, FranPrix and local distributors.

Thinley Topden, deputy dead - East of England at the Department for International Trade, said: “We’re delighted to see Gnaw make its mark by helping to meet the demand for quality British food and drink across the world​.

“The business saw the opportunity to export its products just two years after setting out as a business, exhibiting at major confectionery fair ISM. This led to significant orders from retailers in Finland and Norway, showing the value that attending trade shows can bring for small businesses​.”

Founded in 2011 by Matt and Teri Legon, Norfolk-based Gnaw produces a range of artisan chocolate bars, liqueur hot chocolate shots and other nibbles using natural, locally sourced ingredients in their ‘Gnawfolk’ kitchens.

Gnaw has also launched 31 new lines exclusively for the French marketplace including a bespoke range of 14 exclusive organic flavours, along with four mini bars, three chocolate and granola bars and 10 of its popular 100g bars – all with new French language packaging.

Full order book

Its international success has led the business to invest significantly into its Norwich factory, and a consistently full order book has seen the team expand by 20% in the last year alone, with further jobs expected to be created next year.

Gnaw founder Matt Legon said: “If you are looking to build your business at a faster rate, then it is worth seriously considering the benefits exporting can bring – trading internationally has provided the cornerstone of what we have been able to achieve here at Gnaw​.

“The Department for International Trade has also been a great support to the company over the last six years and has been a pillar of support throughout our exporting endeavours. I’d certainly drive any business looking to export to get in touch with their local DIT team​.”

The company has gone from strength to strength and now exports to over 20 countries including Japan, Russia and Morocco, launching its range in six new countries in the first half of 2018. It recently signed a £1m ($1.29m) contract with a retailer in Russia to launch its single origin chocolate Brooke & Amble range.

With recent enquiries from Israel and the possibility of supplying a further 250 stores in Germany, Gnaw is set to enjoy a prosperous 2019, with the business’s turnover forecast to reach £4.7m ($6.08m).