Despite post-Brexit trade complexities, the UK food and drink sector continues to rely heavily on EU imports, according to recent research conducted with supply chain experts.
A survey commissioned by the European Commission, targeting wholesalers, importers, producers, and HORECA professionals across seven food and beverage sectors, revealed widespread commitment to maintaining EU import links over the coming year.
Wine and dairy/cheese emerged as the most committed sectors, with 100% of respondents planning to expand EU-sourced product ranges. Strong dedication was also noted in beer and spirits (80%), charcuterie and meat (80%), and bakery (70%).
In contrast, the confectionery and fruit & vegetable sectors displayed the highest levels of uncertainty, with only 30% indicating plans to source additional SKUs from the EU by 2025.
When deciding on new products, industry professionals prioritised quality (95%), pricing (81%), authenticity (78%), and sustainability (77%). EU food and drink products were particularly valued for their authenticity (79%) and tradition (70%), with diversity (64%), taste (62%), safety (59%), and high quality (54%) also highlighted as important.
Two-thirds of respondents recognised the importance of EU certifications, including Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Organic labels. Awareness of these certifications remains high, with 93% recognising the European Organic Products label, and 78% familiar with the PGI label.
Conducted in April 2024, the research coincided with the implementation of the UK’s Border Trading Operating Model (BTOM), which aims to maintain border security while simplifying trade processes.
“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, reinforced this perspective: “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.”
Bliss also emphasised the complementary nature of UK and EU produce cycles: “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.”
Challenges in the fruit and vegetable sector were also acknowledged: “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.
