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.

Process

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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

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.

Selected Work

  • UK & Nordics Account Management

    MEAT ALTERNATIVE MANUFACTURER

    Challenge
    A French food start-up needed commercial support to develop the UK market while opening new international opportunities across Private Label and FoodService.

    La Colomba UK role
    Acted as an outsourced international sales function, leading UK and Nordic commercial development, customer acquisition, partnerships and negotiations. The mandate extended from initial customer engagement through to project execution, including contract negotiation, packaging development, forecasting and supply coordination.

    Outcome
    Secured a partnership with a leading Nordic food group, resulting in the development and nationwide listing of an innovation under one of its brands in Denmark. First products were delivered within a few months of project initiation.

  • International Market Entry

    RTD BRAND — CONSUMER BUSINESS

    Challenge
    A UK distribution company representing American consumer brands was assessing international expansion for an innovative RTD brand endorsed by high-profile American rappers.

    La Colomba UK role
    Evaluated market-entry opportunities across 12 international markets, combining market attractiveness, consumer proposition, channel dynamics, customer potential and operational requirements to define the most relevant launch opportunities.

    Outcome
    Developed and presented a market-entry strategy identifying priority markets, key market specificities and the commercial requirements for international launch.

  • UK & Netherlands Account Management

    CHILLED READY MEALS — CONSUMER STARTUP

    Challenge
    An innovative chilled ready-meal start-up had secured an initial listing with a Dutch retailer and needed support to scale the account while establishing a broader international commercial model.

    La Colomba UK role
    Managed the Dutch account development from convenience expansion towards the retailer's national network. In parallel, introduced the proposition to UK customers, defined the appropriate route to market and identified suitable chilled ready-meal manufacturing partners. Provided ongoing commercial and operational support directly to the founders.

    Outcome
    Supported the expansion of the Dutch retail partnership while establishing the foundations for UK market entry, including customer development, route-to-market definition and manufacturing capability.

  • International Market Entry

    UK FOOD GROUP — BRAND PORTFOLIO

    Challenge
    A major UK food company with a portfolio of established brands wanted to assess their potential for international expansion, with an initial focus on European markets.

    La Colomba UK role
    Assessed market attractiveness and brand fit across Europe, connecting consumer and market analysis with proposition development, channel strategy, customer potential and operational requirements.

    Outcome
    Delivered a market-entry assessment identifying priority opportunities, market specificities and the strategic considerations required to take the brands internationally.

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