Waitrose is planning to export food to the US and Canada as the supermarket continues to broaden its horizons overseas.

The supermarket has identified the North American markets as the next targets for its exports business, which is currently worth £100m. But Waitrose does not intend to follow the lead of Tesco and open its own stores in America, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The news comes after the supermarket’s parent company, John Lewis, announced plans to develop its online business in Europe. It will sell products via its website in up to 25 European markets.

Meanwhile, the new Waitrose store in Jersey opens its doors for business this week, marking the chain’s first wholly owned store overseas. The 21,000 sq ft store is the first of five to be opened in the Channel Islands.

“The investment we've made in systems and structures gives us a platform for future international growth," said managing director Mark Price.

Last week Waitrose opened a new store in Bahrain, which is run in conjunction with Dubai group Fine Fare Food Market.

Read more
Waitrose makes belated debut in Bahrain (11 February 2011)
Waitrose seizes five supermarket sites in the Channel Islands (26 June 2010)