Sweet Mandarin sauces wins Russia export order

SWEET Mandarin, the Chinese restaurant and sauce manufacturer, is celebrating winning its first-ever export order.

The Manchester company’s success with a major Russian retailer, Azbuka Vkusa, came as a result of a meeting between founder Lisa Tse and business minister Michael Fallon, who introduced her to UK Trade and Investment and its scheme for novice exporters.

After connecting with Carol Wilson, an international food and drink consultant at UKTI in Manchester. Sweet Mandarin began working on an export strategy and was encouraged to attend the SIAL trade show in Paris.

There, it met overseas buyers and within days signed the deal to supply Azbuka Vkusa with its sweet chilli, sweet and sour and barbecue sauce.

Lisa Tse said: “I am the fourth generation of sauce maker in my family and this is the first time we have ever exported our product, let alone realise it would be a hit in Russia. I hope with the UKTI’s help, I can increase the worldwide exports to 50% of total sales of our sauces.”

The initial range of Sweet Mandarin Sauces which are are currently sold nationwide in Sainsbury’s, Wing Yip, Selfridges and Booths.