Yorkshire firm’s dairy-free hot drinks set to stir up Chinese market

A range of organic dairy-free drinks from a Yorkshire family business are set for success in China.

The drinks, created by naturopathic nutritionist Jane Nicholls, who founded her business Sweet Revolution at her home near Leeds in 2009, have achieved UK origin status – a crucial stage for exporting into China – after tests applied by Chamber International.

The range of instant hot drinks, which are registered vegan, certified organic, and free from gluten, dairy and refined cane sugar, are being distributed in China by a specialist supplier to health food shops and pharmacies.

As Sweet Revolution’s beverages, which come in hot chocolate and turmeric. Matcha and Reishi Latte flavours, are created using overseas ingredients, including Vietnamese coconut milk powder, raw crystallised coconut nectar sweetening and various spices, China had to be satisfied that they were a British product, which Chamber International established by applying a number of detailed tests to demonstrate ‘substantive change’ – the rule determining a product’s origin – during manufacture.

Nicholls says: “Being able to export to China is potentially massive for us as it is a very big market and there is huge interest among consumers in healthy eating and the whole ‘free-from’ market. Also the pharmacy chain we are supplying has plans to expand into Singapore.

“Chamber International has huge practical experience which they applied to our case.”

Nicholls’ interest in healthy eating was fuelled when her son Alex suffered a dairy intolerance as a baby and she started researching natural ways to treat his condition, including studying naturopathic nutrition with the Natural Healing Foundation at Salford University.

The range is now available through distributors in Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Scotland and East Sussex. The business has achieved a six-figure turnover and annual double-digit sales growth by selling through health food shops, organic specialist stores and delicatessens.

Following attendance at a trade show in London, distributors were also appointed in Holland, Finland and, more recently, the Republic of Ireland.

Nicholls adds: “We are pleased to be part of huge and growing interest in all areas of health and wellness, especially among ‘Millennials’, and the links between food and good health. We are expecting sales to increase with double-digit growth during the next five years and aim to achieve 25% in sales from exports.”

Chamber International’s China specialist, Matthew Grandage, says: “China’s consumers are becoming increasingly committed to the idea that it’s worth paying extra for a more balanced future – for themselves, their families and the environment as a whole.

“By paying attention to these matters in product development, careful supply chain management and marketing, British food and drink brands are winning new fans in China.  Creative organic producers like Sweet Revolutions are part of this key moment in the evolution of the world’s largest food market.”