A County Durham coffee brand has partnered with an international producer as it aims to more than double turnover in the next three years.

Beanies Flavour Coffee has agreed terms with Greek coffee producer Cafetex S.A. in a move which forms a strategic partnership between the two similarly focused companies, creating a number of synergies across a range of products within their chosen markets.

The move also allows Beanies to take advantage of a significant cash investment, allowing increased sales and marketing activity, and product support creating ‘the complete flavour coffee specialists’.

John Evans, Beanies Executive Chairman said: “Flavour Coffee has experienced sustained growth on the High Street in the ten years since Beanies was created, notably through internationally known coffee shop specialists and fast food outlets. With this increased consumer interest, Beanies is in pole position.”

Beanies Flavour instant coffee is available nationally throughout the UK via a large number of high street supermarkets and retail outlets, as well as via its own website supported by a social media following of more than 500,000.

Mark Stangroom, Sales and Marketing Director said: “Not only are our domestic sales showing ongoing growth but following being granted the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (Overseas Trade) last year we are continuing to see many exciting opportunities overseas and now trade with nearly 50 countries.”

Mr Stangroom said the company had recently exhibited at SIAL Paris and Gulfoods Dubai and were now looking to take part in further overseas exhibitions this year to add to the recently gained territories of Japan, Saudi Arabia, USA and Malta.

The company - a finalist in the first BUSINESSiQ Awards being held on Friday - has grown from its local origins in Newton Aycliffe and Darlington and now has its main manufacturing base and offices in Faverdale North, Darlington, where it flavours and packs more than 40 flavours of instant coffee.

Managing Director and the founder of the Beanies brand Mark Porteous added: “It’s the company’s 10th anniversary this year and it seems fitting that we are setting out on another period of exciting growth and development. This investment strengthens our growth potential for the next ten years”.

Ioannis Benopoulos, Cafetex President and CEO, said: “This is a great match and forms a partnership with many opportunities for both companies and we are very much looking forward to working with the Beanies team. The group is going to be producing the complete range of flavour coffee products, aiming to become the leading specialist in the sector. Group turnover is expected to reach £20 million this year, targeting a 40% growth in the next three years”.