Director of Operations, Gordon Mazvihwa (Gordy), has been with the brewery since the beginning, playing a key role in its growth and day-to-day success. After ten years of steady expansion, the business is now exploring how to take its celebrated Coventry-brewed beers to international markets.
Although Dhillon’s had long-standing success in the UK, supplying football stadiums, bars, and major retailers including Morrisons, the team had little knowledge of how to expand abroad. “We knew our beers had international appeal,” said Gordy. “But when it came to exporting, customs, duties, compliance, all the intricacies, we had no idea where to start. It felt like a completely different world.”
That changed when the brewery joined the BGWM Export Support Programme through the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Working closely with their programme International Trade Adviser Nick Patrick, the business received one-to-one guidance on every aspect of export readiness, from documentation and labelling to pricing, logistics, and identifying the most viable overseas markets.
“Food and drink exports are highly regulated,” explained Nick. “We worked through all the practicalities, shelf life, temperature control, country-specific labelling, and customs compliance and created a detailed export roadmap so Dhillon’s could move forward confidently.”
At the end of the programme, Dhillon’s received a tailored export business plan highlighting three key markets, France, Germany, and South Korea, where demand for premium craft beers continues to rise.
Since recently completing the programme, Dhillon’s has begun exploring two-way trade with Ghanaian beverage producer Kasapreko, and entertained conversations on exclusive UK distribution rights for selected products. The business has also developed a deep understanding of export regulations, freight options, and pricing models, enabling the team to plan strategically for future international expansion. Closer to home, these skills have already supported growth, with the brewery doubling production to supply both Coventry Building Society Arena and Swansea City football club.
“The more we learn, the more opportunities we discover,” said Gordy. “The programme gave us the tools and confidence to explore markets we never would’ve considered before.”
Nick added: “Dhillon’s have gone from having zero export experience to being genuinely export-ready. They now understand every stage of the process, and they’re well positioned to seize international opportunities as they arise. That kind of transformation is what the programme is all about.”
For Dhillon’s, exporting is not just about business growth but about sharing a slice of Coventry with the world. “We’re proud to represent Coventry, and preparing to take our beer overseas feels like the next natural step,” said Gordy. “For us, success means people enjoying our beer, whether that’s here in Coventry or halfway across the world. This programme has given us the roadmap to make that happen.”
David Zell, Assistant Delivery Manager for Business Programmes at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said: “The Export Support Programme, run by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of BGWM and West Midlands Combined Authority, is a fantastic programme offering free, in-depth, subject-specific expertise support to businesses within the West Midlands, enabling them to grow their potential through international exporting channels. The team are incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and driven to ensure that businesses can thrive and grow off the support that is on offer. The programme is 100% committed to achieving success – and is one not to be missed.”
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Provided by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), the project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire, Black Country, and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
