Exports to these markets have reached 125 tons and are expected to reach 270 tons by the end of the year, according to Food Union market analysis.
“We remain focused on growing new markets and developing dynamic distribution for our high-quality ice cream products. We have found that customers in Asian markets seek out the same high-quality products from trusted European dairy producers,” Food Union CEO Normunds Staņēvičs said.
“We are paving roads into new markets by placing popular Latvian and Estonian brands in strong, respected Asian retail chains. Our goal is to increase exports to these markets, and next year we plan to expand into two additional East Asian regions.”
Food Union exports to East Asia gradually increased towards the end of 2019 and peaked in June 2020 as Food Union entered Taiwan. The majority of the export products are made in Food Union’s central plant JSC Rīgas piena kombināts and a smaller percentage are produced in Estonia’s Premia TKHplant.
Food Union products are sold in some East Asian store chains, cafés and offices.
The company exports 46 different products from three Latvian brands and one newly-created brand. The Lakto Diamond product, based on the Lakto brand collection for children, has been created for the East Asian market and offers three curd snacks and three ice cream products.
All exported goods will be available on the Food Union online store, and new products will be added in the coming weeks and months.
Food Union also launched an Ekselence pop-up shop in a shopping center in Hong Kong.