EU Remains Key Resource for UK Food and Beverage Industry Despite Brexit Challenges, Survey Reveals
On Wednesday, 11 December 2024, a survey conducted by the European Commission showed that the majority of UK industry supply chain professionals remain committed to importing from the EU over the next 12 months. The survey, which interviewed wholesalers, importers, producers, and HORECA professionals across seven different food and beverage sectors, revealed that EU products continue to be highly valued in the UK market.
According to the data, 100% of respondents from the wine and dairy/cheese sectors are committed to sourcing additional SKUs from the EU in the coming year. Meanwhile, 80% of respondents from the beer and spirits sector, as well as the charcuterie and meat sector, and 70% from the bakery sector, also expressed a clear commitment to the EU.
In contrast, the confectionery and fruit & vegetable sectors showed the highest level of uncertainty or non-commitment, with only 30% committing to sourcing additional SKUs from the EU in 2025.
When it comes to adding new SKUs to their product ranges, UK industry respondents cited quality (95%), pricing (81%), authenticity (78%), and sustainability (77%) as the most important factors. The survey also revealed that authenticity and tradition were voted as the most popular characteristics of EU food and beverage products (79% and 70%, respectively). In addition, diversity (64%), good taste (62%), safety (59%), and high quality (54%) were also ranked highly by respondents.
The survey also showed that more than two-thirds of respondents (66%) believe that the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Organic labels are either ‘very important’ or ‘somewhat important’ when sourcing ingredients. These labels were also highly recognized by the UK industry, with 93% recognizing the European Organic Products label and 78% recognizing the PGI label.
The survey 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 minimizing trade burdens. According to Andrew Crumpton, founder of AMC Consulting and advisor to the ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign, 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.
Veryan Bliss, Managing Director of Food Intelligence and fresh produce advisor to the EU’s ‘More Than Only Food & Drink’ campaign, also supports this view. Bliss highlights the importance of the relationship between the UK and EU, with the UK being the number one destination for EU agri-food in 2023, accounting for 22% of exports and with a value of €51.3 billion.
Bliss also notes the geographical diversity of the EU, which ensures a steady supply of seasonal produce and often complements the UK’s own growing patterns. The EU also supports the UK market by providing a consistent, high-quality selection of products throughout the year.
However, the survey also revealed the impact of controls for fresh produce, which have been complex and changeable. With the recent easement on fresh produce checks and the confirmation that several fruit and vegetable products have been changed from “medium risk” 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.
The survey consisted of 81 interviews with UK food and beverage professionals in April 2024. For more information on the survey and its findings, please visit https://pressat.co.uk/.
