Here’s a checklist of inspiration for aspiring exporters. Our collection of 50 favourite export case studies shows that there is no magic ingredient to making it to the world stage, but it certainly helps to get the basics right.
Chris Carpenter on The Lark Hill Wine Company
Exporting since: 1991
Key markets: Asia.
Minimalistic winemaking, with the use of pure fruit, has led this small family business to stand out from the pack. Founded by husband and wife team, David and Susan Carpenter, The Lark Hill Wine Company made its first export to Harrods, by invitation, in 1991.
Now, together with their son Chris, and seasonal contract workers, they export to Asia as well. The Lark Hill Wine Company’s products are also popular at home, where they are bought by Qantas for business class international flights.
The Carpenters believe their holistic approach to agriculture, based around sustainable practices and natural preventions, results in healthier wines and fruit. They are now in the process of using soil microbes to increase soil health.
One of the family’s great delights is meeting overseas visitors, who turn up at their door with obscure non-English publications that mention Lark Hill wine.
