On 12th November 2024, the 'More than Only Food & Drink' campaign partnered with The Grocer, the UK’s leading B2B publication for the food and beverage industry, to deliver a highly anticipated webinar: Feeding the UK - How to Make New Post-Brexit Import Checks Work. Targeting professionals navigating the complexities of post-Brexit trade, the event fostered a solution-driven dialogue on sourcing EU products under the new regulatory landscape.
Addressing border challenges and opportunities
The panel, moderated by The Grocer’s International Trade Editor, Maria Gonçalves, featured five distinguished experts, including policy advisors, trade specialists, and industry leaders. Discussions centred on navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) and other regulatory changes.
A key theme of the webinar was the importance of collaboration across the supply chain. Panellist Andrew Crumpton stressed the value of shared ownership between suppliers and importers, advocating for robust partnerships and open, proactive communication. This approach, he suggested, is essential for successfully addressing regulatory complexities.
Regulatory requirements were another focal point. George Hyde from the Food and Drink Federation explained how late regulatory announcements can disrupt businesses and emphasised the need for timely notifications and comprehensive compliance systems. Veryan Bliss, Fruit and Vegetables Advisor for the campaign, highlighted the importance of understanding risk categories and securing essential documentation, such as sanitary certificates, to ensure smooth importation processes.
Challenges with groupage for perishable goods, border delays, and the costs of compliance were also discussed. The panel offered practical solutions, including leveraging digital platforms like the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and employing experienced logistics partners to streamline operations.
The EU advantage: Quality and market appeal
The conversation underscored the competitive edge of EU products in the UK market. While acknowledging the inevitability of additional costs, Crumpton argued that the diversity, quality, and strong market appeal of EU products continue to make them a viable choice for UK importers.
Bliss reinforced this perspective, highlighting the critical role of EU suppliers in maintaining the UK’s food supply chain. She noted that the EU’s favourable climate and business models enable a consistent supply of fresh produce, organic goods, and other essential products that align with the needs of UK retailers.
A resource for industry professionals
The webinar provided several key takeaways for industry professionals. Building strong relationships across the supply chain emerged as a central recommendation, with panellists advocating for collaboration and mutual understanding to navigate the evolving regulatory environment. Staying informed through trade associations and monitoring updates on regulatory changes were also highlighted as essential practices. Moreover, businesses were encouraged to plan ahead by engaging logistics partners early and ensuring all documentation is in order.
Finally, the panellists emphasised the importance of leveraging the unique selling points of EU products to maintain competitiveness in the UK market. Despite the challenges, the enduring quality and diversity of EU offerings provide significant opportunities for importers.
The webinar remains available on demand through The Grocer’s website for one year, providing a valuable resource for industry professionals aiming to optimise their post-Brexit sourcing strategies.
