Bakery firms specialising in private-label are in a strong position to build export sales, according to Simon Waring, MD of the UK branch of export consultancy The Green Seed Group.

He said retail chains in the US and mainland Europe are looking to develop more sophisticated own-brand ranges. "Most markets are well behind the UK in terms of private-label, so the capabilities of bakeries that are highly skilled in this area are in demand internationally," he told British Baker.

"Private-label is growing rapidly in the US, and in Germany we are seeing greater segmentation with more premium own-brand products. International retailers want to replicate the sophistication of the UK and are seeking private-label specialists."

The Green Seed Group, which has nine offices in Europe, one in the US and one in Australia, has been founded from the now-defunct Food From Britain.