FASHION-conscious Japanese women will soon be able to buy ostrich leather handbags - direct from North Yorkshire.
Derwent Ostriches, of Elvington, near York, is marketing a range of the bags in the Far East following research carried out through the York and North Yorkshire Export Forum.
The bags are already a hit in the UK, selling for between £300 and £400.
Japan was identified as a potentially lucrative market and managing director Chris Hobson turned to the Forum, an initiative of Business Link North Yorkshire, for help.
"They were quick and efficient and provided details of translators so we could translate our existing advertisements into Japanese," said Chris.
Derwent Ostriches began as a farm diversification exercise seven years ago, fattening 300 birds a year for meat. The handbag side of the business was launched two years ago.
"We started ostrich farming because there is an interest in the product and it presented a new opportunity," said Chris.
"We face the same pressures as other type of farming, but the handbag side is currently very encouraging."
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