New insight reveals UK remains committed to EU imports

The EU will remain a key resource for the UK food and beverage industry despite the challenges imposed by Brexit, according to new insight from UK industry supply chain professionals.

A European Commission survey interviewed wholesalers, importers, producers and HORECA professionals to gather data on their future plans, with respondents from the wine and dairy sectors saying they were 100% committed to sourcing additional SKUs from the EU in the coming year, while beer and spirits (80%), charcuterie and meat (80%) and bakery (70%) also showed a clear commitment to working with European partners.

Quality, pricing, authenticity and tradition were voted the most popular general characteristics those surveyed were considering when adding to their product ranges, while authenticity (79%) and tradition (70%) ranked most highly if they were looking to EU producers.

More than two-thirds of respondents agreed the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and organic labels were either ‘very important’ or ‘somewhat important’ when sourcing ingredients.

 

The research was conducted in April 2024 against the backdrop of the UK Government’s Border Trading Operating Model (BTOM) which aims to maintain border security while minimising trade burdens.

“These insights demonstrate that despite the challenges and complexities of new cross-border trade agreements, the EU remains a valued partner and important resource for the UK’s food and drink industry and is likely to remain that way”, said Andrew Crumpton, founder of AMC Consulting and advisor to the ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign.

Veryan Bliss, managing director of Food Intelligence, and fresh produce advisor to the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign supports this view. “It is clear that the relationship between the UK and EU is incredibly important. In 2023 the UK was the number one destination for EU agri-food, accounting for 22% of exports and with a value of €51.3 billion.”

The highest levels of uncertainty were expressed by the confectionery and fruit and vegetable sectors.

Veryan said the geographical diversity of the EU ensures a steady supply of seasonal produce, complementing the UK’s own growing patterns. “When certain crops are out of season in the UK, EU producers support the offer, ensuring that UK retailers can offer a consistent, high-quality selection to consumers throughout the year.”

Survey responses from the fruit and vegetable industry highlight the impact of controls on fresh produce, which Veryan said have been “complex and changeable”.

“But with an easement on fresh produce checks now in place until July 2025, and confirmation that several fruit and vegetable products, which were previously deemed medium risk have now been changed to ‘low risk’, there is an increased potential for UK importers to benefit from the quality of organically and sustainably grown produce from the EU.”