A COFFEE business has served up two major awards in a prestigious national competition.

Boaters Coffee Company, owned by Richard and Cally Affleck, who live in Windermere, scooped the speciality exporter of the year award as well as the first-ever marketing innovation award at the annual Food from Britain and HSBC Awards, which recognise export success across the country's food and drink industry.

Established in 1990, the Ampthill-based business makes branded and own-label flavoured coffees and has a range of more than 50 different varieties of roast, ground and instant coffees, from Cappuccino to Baked Alaska flavours.

Competition judges said the awards recognised Boaters' commitment to developing its overseas business in the face of challenging trading conditions, and to implementing innovative marketing plans.

Boaters' managing director Richard Affleck said: "We are delighted to have won these Food from Britain and HSBC export awards. This company has always used a thoughtful approach to its sales and marketing, and this has paid off time and again. It's great to be recognised for our success."

January 10, 2003 12:01