economy
‘Always scary, always exciting’: how Spice Kitchen turned a hobby into a thriving export business
From selling at food markets in Manchester to exporting around the world, Spice Kitchen’s co-founder shares the advice and support needed for global growth
TL;DR
- Spice Kitchen began as a hobby for Shashi Aggarwal and evolved into a successful international spice business founded by her son, Sanjay Aggarwal.
- The business started by selling homemade spice blends on eBay and has grown to include award-winning food products, cookbook, and global exports.
- Spice Kitchen is expanding its international reach, with a particular focus on the US market.
- The company requires additional funding and finance to support larger deals and distributors, and plans to invest in automation to increase competitiveness.
- UK Export Finance (UKEF) provides crucial support, including loans, guarantees, and insurance, to help businesses like Spice Kitchen navigate the challenges of international trade, such as cashflow issues and risk management.
- UKEF's export finance managers offer valuable consultations, helping businesses access appropriate financial support and bridge any gaps.
- Support from UKEF provides confidence for planning, stock, staffing, and logistics, offering peace of mind to business owners.
- Spice Kitchen, as a South-Asian-owned business, values UKEF's efforts to remove barriers for ethnic minority-run businesses and signals that their growth is important.
- The company prioritizes maintaining its homegrown feel and family values while continuing to innovate and seize new opportunities.