Australian confectionary company, Ferndale, has announced it is seeking an equity partner to facilitate the expansion of its brands into the Asian market.
The company, whose portfolio of products include Jols fruit pastilles, and Jila mints, said the move was encouraged by increasing orders from China, along with a growing appetite for healthier fat-free, sugar-free and natural confectionery across Asia.
“Ferndale is one of the only companies to offer a truly healthy alternative within the confectionery space, offering sugar and fat-free products containing natural ingredients,” said Leigh Edward, GM, Ferndale.
“We are meeting an increasing demand from the Asian consumer market for high-quality health products, while addressing a concerning rise in health issues such as diabetes”.
Market expansion has always been a key priority for the business, who continues to operate from its original factory in regional Victoria.
“To date, Ferndale’s growth has been managed conservatively, but export market expansion has always been a clear long term objective. Ferndale already exports to 14 countries,” said Edward.
“We are looking forward to visiting a number of Asian markets to meet with potential partners, and forging strong and enduring partnerships thereafter”.
