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Despite Brexit-related challenges, the UK food and drink industry remains committed to sourcing products from the EU, according to new research conducted with supply chain professionals.
A survey commissioned by the European Commission and involving wholesalers, importers, producers, and HORECA experts across seven food and beverage sectors, revealed that the majority intend to maintain EU imports in the coming year.
Wine and dairy/cheese sectors emerged as the most steadfast, with 100% of respondents planning to expand their EU-sourced product ranges. Strong commitments were also seen in beer and spirits (80%), charcuterie and meat (80%), and bakery (70%).
By contrast, confectionery and fruit & vegetable sectors demonstrated greater uncertainty, with only 30% planning to source additional SKUs from the EU by 2025.
Respondents prioritised quality (95%), pricing (81%), authenticity (78%), and sustainability (77%) when selecting products. EU food and beverage products were highly regarded for their authenticity and tradition, noted by 79% and 70% of respondents, respectively, with diversity (64%), taste (62%), safety (59%), and high quality (54%) also recognised as important attributes.
The EU’s food certification labels, including Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Organic, were seen as important by 66% of respondents. Awareness of these labels remains widespread, with the European Organic Products label recognised by 93%, and the PGI label by 78%.
Conducted in April 2024, the study took place amidst the implementation of the UK’s Border Trading Operating Model (BTOM), which aims to streamline trade procedures while upholding border security.
“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, elaborated: “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 geographical diversity of the EU ensures a steady supply of seasonal produce and often complements 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,” Bliss explained.
She also acknowledged challenges for fresh produce imports: “However responses from fruit and vegetable industry professionals highlight the impact of controls for fresh produce, which 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.”
For more information about the EU’s More Than Only Food & Drink campaign visit: https://enjoy-its-from-europe.campaign.europa.eu/united-kingdom/en or email morethanfood_UK@agripromotion.eu.