Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Organic smokehouse clinches first UK export deal to Russia

A traditional smokehouse in Clunbury, rural Shropshire has secured what is believed to be the UK’s first organic export deal to Russia for what promises to be a remarkable six figure contract for its organic smoked salmon. The Organic Smokehouse, run by Michael and Debbie Leviseur, have just dispatched the 1st 100kg shipment to Arivera, a Russian owned food distributor which supplies some of the country’s best restaurants, governmental institutions, big businesses and consumers through its mail order website.

An approach to the Leviseurs over eight months ago about their award-winning Shetland sourced salmon, which is slowly smoked using the traditional ‘draft method’ over air-dried, naturally fallen Shropshire Oak, was the start of a giant learning curve for the business in getting to grips with the complex Russian export process. Thanks to help from Defra they have succeeded in exporting the 1st batch of unsliced sides and 500g packs and are looking forward to a busy and prosperous year.

Michael Leviseur said: ‘we are still not 100% sure how they found us, we think it must have been through our Soil Association connections, but we are very glad they did and it’s an added thrill to be told by Arivera that we are the 1st British company to supply Russia with an organic food product.’

‘Although we already export to California, Japan and Monaco, this is set to be our most significant deal yet and this week we have also received enquiries from New York and China, so it is all looking very promising.’

Having no organic industry of its own, Russia is reaching out across the world to import anything from fresh produce to tea, coffee, meat products and even organic baby formula for a more demanding, health conscious nation. Arivera is blazing a trail in organic product supply and, with assistance from the Soil Association, is reportedly advising the Kremlin on how to implement standards for organic farming and food production.

In addition to smoked salmon and a handmade smoked salmon mousse, The Organic Smokehouse sources local cheese, butter, olive oil and sea salt which is cold smoked to create a distinctive sweet flavour. They have won the Soil Association’s Organic Food Awards in 2003-4 and 2004-5, two Gold Great Taste Awards for their butter and oil and have been listed as one of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes.

For all sales enquiries please telephone Michael Leviseur on 01588 660206 or visit their online shopping site www.organicsmokehouse.com.

The Organic Smokehouse is a member of HEART of ENGLAND fine foods.



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