The UK food and beverage industry continues to depend on EU imports, despite Brexit challenges, according to a recent survey conducted with supply chain professionals.
The research, carried out on behalf of the European Commission, surveyed wholesalers, importers, producers, and HORECA professionals across seven food and beverage sectors. It found that the majority intend to continue sourcing from the EU over the next 12 months.
Wine and dairy/cheese sectors showed the highest commitment, with 100% of respondents planning to expand their EU product ranges. Beer and spirits (80%), charcuterie and meat (80%), and bakery (70%) also demonstrated strong dedication to EU imports.
However, confectionery and fruit & vegetable sectors expressed greater uncertainty, with only 30% planning to source additional SKUs from the EU by 2025.
Key decision-making factors for UK industry professionals included quality (95%), pricing (81%), authenticity (78%), and sustainability (77%). EU products were highly regarded for their authenticity (79%) and tradition (70%), while diversity (64%), taste (62%), safety (59%), and high quality (54%) were also valued.
Respondents also recognised the importance of EU certifications such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Organic labels, with 66% describing them as either “very important” or “somewhat important.” The European Organic Products label had the highest recognition rate (93%), while the PGI label was the least recognised but still familiar to 78% of respondents.
The research was conducted in April 2024 against the backdrop of the UK Government’s Border Trading Operating Model (BTOM), designed to balance trade facilitation with 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,” explained 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, added: “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 noted.
“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.
