Enter and scale new international markets
An international commercial function, without building one from scratch.
International expansion requires more than identifying attractive markets. It requires access, local knowledge and the ability to execute across commercial and operational issues at the same time.
We provide a turnkey international development platform, combining market expertise, an established network and hands-on execution across the full international value chain.
The model provides access to senior international expertise and black book without requiring the business to build permanent infrastructure before the scale of the opportunity justifies it.
The engagement can begin with a defined market-entry programme, develop into an ongoing international commercial function and, where appropriate, transition into an internal team as the organisation matures.
How we help
Access the right markets - We focus resources on the countries and channels where the strongest commercial potential exists, rather than pursuing international expansion indiscriminately.
Access the right accounts - Our established network provides direct access to relevant retailers, distributors, foodservice operators, manufacturers and other commercial partners, accelerating the path from market assessment to commercial discussions.
One partner from strategy to execution - Market research, feasibility, partner development, commercial negotiations, logistics, labelling, compliance and operational requirements can all be managed within a single engagement.
A controlled and transparent investment - The engagement operates on a fixed daily retainer, with the required number of days agreed in advance. The resulting budget provides a clear benchmark against which commercial progress and revenues can be assessed.
Senior expertise without the fixed infrastructure - Companies can access an experienced international commercial function without immediately investing in local teams, offices or permanent infrastructure.
Build before you commit - The model allows companies to establish and validate international markets progressively, before deciding whether to internalise the function, establish a permanent presence or continue with an external operating model.
One-month flexibility - A one-month notice period provides the flexibility to adapt or conclude the engagement without a long-term contractual commitment or termination fee.
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France
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Belgium
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Luxembourg
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Denmark
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Finland
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Switzerland
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Spain
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Italy
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United Arab Emirates
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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Qatar
· France · Belgium · Luxembourg · Denmark · Finland · Switzerland · Spain · Italy · United Arab Emirates · Kingdom of Saudi Arabia · Qatar
Process
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We assess market size, category dynamics, competitive positioning, pricing, customer structure and routes to market to identify the markets with the strongest commercial potential. The analysis provides a clear basis for prioritising markets, defining target channels and allocating commercial resources.
We assess how the business can enter and operate in each priority market, including the most appropriate route to market, pricing structure, distribution model, supply requirements and commercial economics. This establishes a practical market-entry model before significant resources are committed. -
Export may be the most appropriate route for some products and markets. For others, building a local operating model is essential to achieve sustainable growth and competitive economics. We review the wider value chain to identify opportunities to improve margins, supply resilience and market competitiveness through local sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing or distribution. Where required, we identify and assess local partners and establish the operating model best suited to support sustainable international growth.
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We build the commercial strategy around clearly defined target accounts and priority channels, then engage the relevant retailers, distributors, foodservice operators, agents and strategic partners. We manage the commercial process from initial approach through qualification, negotiation and agreement.
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We support the transition from commercial agreement to market launch, including customer onboarding, product implementation, supply coordination and initial trading. Following launch, we continue to develop the market, strengthen customer relationships and identify opportunities to expand distribution and sales.
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Throughout the engagement, we provide ongoing support across the operational requirements of international development. This can include logistics coordination, shipping documentation, product labelling, regulatory compliance, onboarding requirements and other market-specific operational matters. The objective is to provide a 360° support model throughout the project, ensuring that commercial development is supported by the operational infrastructure required to launch and grow successfully.
Access the best retailers and distributors
Our established network provides access to retailers, distributors, foodservice operators, manufacturers and other commercial partners across priority European and Middle Eastern markets.
The focus is on the quality and strategic relevance of the relationship. We develop the commercial proposition, engage the appropriate stakeholders, manage negotiations and support the transition into trading.
Building Enterprise Value Through International Growth
International expansion is often discussed as a sales opportunity. For a consumer business, it can represent something more fundamental: a new source of growth, a broader addressable market and evidence that the commercial model can travel beyond its domestic market.
McKinsey’s research on more than 350 consumer companies shows that profitable growth is closely associated with value creation. Its analysis also found that companies that successfully expand into new geographies are 22% more likely to achieve above-market, accretive growth. The implication is particularly relevant for mid-sized consumer businesses: internationalisation can extend the growth runway when the domestic market alone becomes insufficient.
For an owner or investor, the distinction between potential and demonstrated potential is important. A UK consumer business with no international presence still has to establish whether its proposition can travel. A business that has already developed customers, revenues and operating relationships in France, Germany or another relevant market has begun to demonstrate that its model can be replicated. Each successful market can therefore become both a revenue stream and a further platform for growth.
The challenge is that international expansion rarely fails because a company cannot identify another country. It fails when the market opportunity, economics, operating model and commercial execution have not been considered together.
We work with consumer businesses to build that international platform.
Our role can begin with market assessment and end with a functioning commercial operation. Depending on the requirements of the business, we provide market intelligence, feasibility analysis, value-chain optimisation, partner development and hands-on commercial execution.
Recognised by the Department for Business and Trade
La Colomba UK Ltd. is an approved provider within the Department for Business and Trade Export Support Directory, supporting UK businesses with international expansion, market entry and commercial development.
Our inclusion in the Directory reflects the standards applied to providers supporting UK exporters and provides an additional level of assurance for businesses seeking experienced international commercial support.
As part of the DBT Export Support Directory, La Colomba UK can also provide eligible businesses with an initial consultation to discuss their international expansion objectives and market-entry requirements, together with a preferential rate for subsequent support.
UK Businesses, the Export Support Directory is a quick and easy way to find and connect with export support experts from around the globe: Learn More