Bead Foods is a manufacturer and leading distributor of a unique range of dairy foods, soy foods and soups throughout Australia. With over 24 years experience, the company’s key focus is to continue developing ranges of innovative, nutritional and organic products, utilising Australian produce wherever possible. Current brands include Fresh Foodies, Gippsland Dairy and Simply Better.
For Bead Foods the exporting journey began over ten years ago when a consolidated food company suggested promoting their products overseas. Since 2004 the consolidate Easy Chef has been exporting Bead Foods into the South East Asian market, specifically to Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand. Products exported include a range of organic and fruit yoghurts, single and double cream, soy foods and most recently, fresh soups – and have proven popular with Australian expats.
“We’re happy to be exporting our product overseas,” says Bead Foods General Manager, Greg Peters. “Easy Chef’s selection of our product for the export market has been very successful. We enjoy a high level of product recognition within South East Asia and receive emails from people that have seen or tried our product in Hong Kong for instance, and want to source it back in Australia.”
Having a consolidator to handle the red tape and paper work has simplified the exporting process for Bead Foods. The Victorian government has also helped out by supplying the company with a steady stream of South East Asian contacts.
“The government are doing a good job promoting Victorian businesses and getting products on the shelves overseas. We receive a lot of information from them. They give us the leads and then it’s up to us to follow up if we choose.”
With the size of overseas orders increasing by up to 30 to 40%, Greg sees exporting as a successful venture for Bead Foods. More importantly, acceptance in international markets is powerful confirmation that the company is achieving its focus of innovation and quality.
“Bead Foods is now in all the major supermarket chains within South East Asia. That gives us confidence that our product is top notch… if people are wanting it all the way in Hong Kong!”
When asked what he would say to other Victorian companies considering exporting, Greg laughs. “Persevere!”
For more information on Bead Food please contact
Tel: 03 9706 4707
www.beadfoods.com.au
For more Export information please contact
Victorian Business Line
Tel: 13 22 15
Email: enquiries@export.vic.gov.au