South West UK producers are successfully exporting everything from cheeses to handcrafted goods. This guide explains what’s involved and how local freight forwarders often help shipping these items worldwide, making it simple for South-West businesses.
If you’ve ever driven through Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, or South Wales, you’ll have seen the patchwork of fields, farm shops, and artisan producers that make the South West a vibrant rural economy in the UK.
Whether it’s award-winning cheeses, cider, meats, honey, or hand-made crafts, producers across the South West are no longer just selling at local markets or farm shops. Many are shipping their goods to customers around the world, and doing it surprisingly well.
So, how are these businesses succeeding, and what tips might help if you’re also a South West producer looking to go global?
Why Are South West Producers Exporting Globally?
Exporting opens up entirely new markets! You’re not just relying on local footfall or UK weather. Instead, your products can be enjoyed in restaurants in Dubai, supermarkets in Canada, or boutique delis in Tokyo.
Key reasons to export:
- Increase sales beyond seasonal or local geographical limits
- Build a more prestigious brand and market reach
- Diversify your income streams
- Respond to overseas demand (expat markets particularly appreciate and love UK products!)
Example: A small goat’s cheese maker in Dorset started receiving interest from Scandinavia after a food festival. One shipment later, the producer has started receiving regular orders.
As more South West businesses rethink their freight strategy, many are choosing flexible, scalable solutions that let them test global markets without overcommitting.
What South West Goods Are in Demand Internationally?
Popular export products from the South West include:
- Small-batch gins, ciders, and wines
- Organic produce and plant-based foods
- Artisan cheeses, jams, and preserves
- Wool, soaps, pottery, and other handmade crafts
Why these goods sell well:
- High quality, often organic or handmade
- Eco-conscious production appeals to global buyers
International buyers often associate South West products with authenticity, craftsmanship, and quality.
It’s not just a cheese or a jar of chutney, but can sometimes be marketed as a taste of rural England, with the right branding.
How Do You Ship Goods from the South West to Global Markets?
Shipping might sound complicated, but it’s manageable, provided you have the right support and expertise at hand. Here’s how most South West producers do it:
Steps to take:
- Identify your export market(s)
- Check the regulations for your product
- Prepare packaging that meets transport and hygiene standards
- Work with a freight forwarder for customs, logistics, and paperwork
Some producers start by selling via marketplaces such as Etsy or to expat communities.
Others attend international trade shows or respond to inbound interest via social media. Either way, you can begin with a few boxes. The full pallets can come later. Scaling gradually can be a great way to grow.
Top tip: Many exporters start small with sample shipments or air freight before scaling to full containers.
What Does a Freight Forwarder Do for Small Exporters?
A freight forwarder such as RSJ International can manage the logistics of getting your goods from A to B, and do so in a safe, legal, and cost-effective manner.
Here’s what they typically handle:
- Customs declarations and compliance paperwork
- Booking air, sea, or road freight
- Insurance and tracking
- Warehousing and consolidation (grouping your freight with other shipments to save money)
Why choose a local partner like RSJ International?
- 20+ years of experience working with South West businesses
- Personal service and flexible freight options
- Cost-effective solutions tailored to smaller or first-time exporters
Unlike giant global firms, local freight forwarders know how to deal with tricky lanes, rural postcodes, and seasonal production schedules.
What Should You Know Before You Start Exporting?
Here’s a quick checklist to get export-ready:
✨ Do you know what countries you want to sell to?
✨ Have you checked import rules for your product?
✨ Are your labels, packaging, and documents in order?
✨ Have you considered duties and shipping costs in your pricing?
✨ Do you have the right freight partner to guide you?
Exporting doesn’t have to mean going big overnight. Many South West producers dip their toes in by sending samples to overseas stockists or trialling short-term supply deals.
Pro tip: The right documentation (including key documents such as commercial invoices, certificates of origin, and export declarations) is important. Freight experts can help make sure it’s spot on.
Before you export, make sure you understand UK export regulations for your product category.
You can also explore government support for UK exporters including grants, market insights, and international trade shows.
South West Exporter Success Stories
Real businesses are doing this every day:
- Chilli jam maker (Somerset): Went viral via expat foodie blogs and now ships regularly to Australia.
- Wool spinner (Devon): Exports to Japan, where traditional fibres are prized.
- Eco-brewery (Cornwall): Their green values hit home in Scandinavia — they export every quarter.
And the list goes on. From bee farmers to artisan chocolatiers, many rural producers have turned their kitchen-table projects into global brands.
Some work directly with customers, others through distributors, and some even collaborate with overseas partners to co-brand products.
FAQs: Common Export Questions from South West Producers
How do I know if I’m ready to export?
If you’ve got a product with demand beyond your region and you’re willing to tweak packaging and logistics, you’re ready to explore it.
What if I don’t have full containers?
No problem. Many forwarders offer LCL (less than container load) or grouped shipments.
Is exporting expensive?
It can be affordable when done right. Many costs are scalable — and some businesses find it more profitable than local sales.
Do I need special licences or certifications?
It depends on your product and destination country. Food, drink, and animal products usually need extra checks — but your freight partner will guide you.
Can I start exporting without an international website?
Yes. Many businesses begin through wholesale partnerships, trade shows, or platforms like Etsy or Faire.
Final Thoughts: South West to the World
The world is hungry for authentic British goods, and the South West has plenty to offer. From cider to cheese to hand-thrown mugs, there’s a global appetite for our local charm.
You don’t have to be a big company to export. With the right freight support and a bit of planning, even a farm shop business can grow into an international brand.
Thinking about exporting your South West goods? RSJ International is ready to help with friendly, local service and global freight expertise.
They’ll guide you step by step, so your goods arrive where they need to be intact, on time, and with less stress. Whether it’s your first shipment or your fiftieth, they’re the partner you need to take your goods global, the smart way.