Ms. Ino, what’s the idea behind your company?
We started financing some innovative Intellectual property in botanical extracts from common plants. After marketing the extracts, we launched our range of vegan sports nutrition products for consumers, Crownhealth. The idea is to be disruptive in a saturated market: Swiss made, totally natural, free from additives and fully sustainable products.
What are your most important export markets and why?
The USA for their size is surely our biggest export market. We are gaining ground in France and Germany, as these two countries are close and interesting markets for our brand.
What positive or negative surprises have you already encountered in export?
The biggest negative issue is dealing with the customs and the issues related to the distribution of consumer goods sold through a website to customers all over Europe. The positive surprise is the interest which is shown for small niche brands like ours, Crownhealth, that are innovative in the sports, food and nutritional sectors.
What is your recipe for successful export?
Export involves a lot of travel, which is something that will have to change because of the current situation. What is important is serious modesty in understanding local business practices.
What do you particularly appreciate about Switzerland Global Enterprise’s (S-GE) consultation and organized trade fairs?
Being able to be part of a SWISS Pavilion is of great help. We can participate at an exhibition at a fraction of the total cost as if we were going alone. The presence under the umbrella brand Switzerland makes our brand much more visible.
