Marmite online – Web site brings yeast extract to the masses

Two former soldiers have started a Web site to supply homesick expatriates with British fare. expatshopping.com offers all the home comforts of Britain, such as Tetley Teabags, Heinz Baked Beans and OK! Magazine, online. Launched this week, the site lists over 1500 brands at UK shop prices plus delivery charge. Ex-military policemen Richard Finch and Simon Aldrich got the idea after unfulfilled cravings for Colman's mustard in the far flung reaches of Bangladesh. According to Aldrich, he asked Finch to bring him over some of the mustard, but Finch forgot. "I went ballistic," Aldrich, marketing director of the new company, told the Daily Mail. "From there, one idea led to another and when we got home we studied the feasibility of a Web site." The two 30-year-olds have set up a £250,000 fully automated 6000sq ft warehouse in Osbaldwick, near York. From there the comfort foods can be shipped to 239 countries. According to the pair, the best selling product so far is that good old empire standby Marmite, followed by Paxo Sage & Onion stuffing, Bisto gravy granules, Bovril and Heinz Tomato Ketchup. Delivery prices for the world's 14 million ex-pats vary depending on destination and size of order, but it is definitely best to get a few items on the shopping list at the same time. For example, getting a box of Kelloggs Cornflakes to Mexico will cost £1.29, plus delivery charge of £14.78 (standard – eight days) or £34.01 (Data Post – four days). The same product costs £1.29 + £11.22 or £24.44 when sent to Spain. Finch said ex-pats had been flocking to use the service – 86 British High Commissions have apparently viewed the site: "We can't believe the enthusiasm of the response so far," he said. "One ex-pat in Slovakia listed ten items he wanted, including nylon tights for his wife." ® Related Story Govt calls ex-pat IT professionals back to Blighty