A COFFEE company aims to continue its forward momentum after complementing new supply contracts at home and abroad with management changes.

Beanies’ products will soon hit the shelves in more than 100 stores in Denmark in an agreement with Dansk Supermarket Group.

Bosses added the company’s offerings will also be available in Poundland and Holland & Barrett after budget supermarket Aldi and Wyevale Garden Centres signed up to receive its goods.

However, the Darlingtonbased business has moved to strengthen its position further, with Mark Stangroom joining as commercial director and John Spurr coming on board as non-executive finance director.

The additions have been complemented by founder Mark Porteous taking up the position of operations director, which he says will allow him to focus on the day-to-day demands of the company.

John Evans, managing director at the firm, which is known for creations such as Irish Cream, Caramel Popcorn and Tiramisu-flavoured coffee, said it is on a real upward curve, highlighting how it now exports to nearly 20 countries, including South Africa, India and the United Arab Emirates.

He said: “These are really exciting times for our business with growth at an unprecedented rate.

“There is a definite growing demand for coffee with a twist and fewer calories than traditional coffee drinks.

“With our new appointments and substantial new contracts as well, we are wellplaced to exploit any opportunity that comes our way.”

Mr Evans said a key pillar in Beanies’ progress has been product development and innovation, which is now coordinated by Katrina Tan, a Masters graduate from Newcastle University.

Already in 2017, the business, also known as Beanies The Flavour Co and Beanies Flavour Coffee, has launched Beanies Plus, which includes cherry chocolate, apple cinnamon and vanilla bean options officials say help cater for a person’s daily Vitamin D needs.

The company, which already supplies to Sainsbury’s and Tesco, is a member of the North East England Chamber of Commerce and is supported by the organisation’s export team and international trade adviser Chris Jewitt.

Julie Underwood, the Chamber’s international trade director, said: “We are delighted to play our part in Beanies ongoing export success story.

“They are a tremendous ambassador for exporting and the advantages it can bring to an ambitious business.”