1. Fresh Produce Consortium
Introducing the UK market:
opportunities to trade
Presented by
Nigel Jenney – Chief Executive

2. The Fresh Produce Consortium
UK trade association for the fresh produce industry
Recognised as the voice of the UK industry
Provides advice on regulatory and technical issues
Liaison and lobbying with wide range of stakeholders
Business development

3. UK market volume – fruit & veg
Thousand tonnes
Defra
* 2017 provisional data

4. UK Imports – fruit and vegetables
Defra
*2017 provisional data
Thousand tonnes

5. UK self-sufficiency
UK produces 30 per cent of fruit and vegetables on the UK market
Home production of vegetables = 57 per cent of total supply
Home production of fruit
= 16 per cent of total supply
UK growers dependent on imports of live plant propagation materials: 95% of British soft fruits
Defra

6. International supply
UK imports 3.2 million tonnes from other EU Member States
UK needs to source products all year round
2.7 million tonnes imported from over 90 third countries
UK benefits from trade agreements between EU and others
Eurostat 2018

7. Key trading partners within EU
Thousand tonnes
Percentage of UK imports from EU
Spain
1,474 46
Netherlands
944 29
France
200 6
Italy
135 4
Poland
129
Belgium
117 3
Ireland 56 1
Portugal 54
Greece 42
Germany 22
0.6
Total UK imports from EU
3,200
Eurostat 2018

8. Key trading partners outside EU
Thousand tonnes
Percentage of UK imports from non-EU countries
South Africa
391 14
Costa Rica
359 13
Colombia
331 12
Brazil
149 5
Morocco
146
Dominican Republic
145
Egypt
134 4
Ecuador
130
Peru
129
Chile
127
Total UK imports from non-EU
2,758
Eurostat 2018

9. UK floral supply
UK imports of cut flowers valued at £748 million in 2017
74% of flower imports come via the Netherlands
Kenya accounts for 6% of imports

10. UK economy and food prices
10% of household income is spent on food
Economic uncertainty and currency fluctuations increasing costs of inputs
Consumers keen to buy British but price of food remains main driver
Without Free Trade Agreements Brexit is likely to increase UK food prices (fruit x 3%; vegetables x 4%)
ONS/UK Trade Policy Observatory

11. Wholesale - opportunities beyond multiple retail
Wholesale and food services = 35% of market share
Fragmented & highly competitive sector
Resilient, buoyant & vibrant – despite anecdotal evidence of decline
Maintains market size and extensive presence

12. Brexit - Key challenges for our industry
Efficient and cost-effective regulation and inspection
Beneficial trade agreements with EU and 3rd countries
Secure but frictionless UK borders for customs clearance
Access global labour market & support current workforce

13. Beneficial trade agreements – no deal
Some continuity agreements are already signed to ensure no barriers to trade when UK leaves the EU:
Andean countries
CARIFORUM countries
Chile
Eastern & Southern Africa
Faroe Islands
Iceland & Norway
Israel
Liechtenstein
Pacific States
Palestinian Authority
Switzerland
Mutual recognition agreements with Australia, New Zealand and USA

14. UK Import Tariff – no deal
UK Government has published temporary rates of customs duty in event of a no deal.
If goods are not listed they will have a zero duty rate: exceptions are bananas and beans.
Tariff would apply for 12 months if UK leaves the EU without a deal.
During this time a consultation will take place on a permanent approach.

15. Current UK position
EU regulations are transposed into UK legislation to provide continuity in regulation
UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement needs majority in House of Commons to be ratified by UK Government
Next deadline is 31 October 2019 – potential for UK to leave EU without a deal remains strong
FPC continues to work with UK Government and partners to represent members’ interests

16. EU action on plant health exceedances
Greater EU scrutiny and action on persistently high levels of exceedances
Significant changes in plant health import requirements from 1 September
FPC works with UK representatives of exporting countries

17. Food safety and integrity
Additional import controls under EC Regulation 669/2009
Traceability and Good Agricultural Practice are key requirements for UK customers
BRC Global Food Standard Issue 8 and Fresh Produce Guideline

18. Sustainability and Ethical Trading
Tackling labour abuse and exploitation
Reducing packaging and packaging waste
Re-focusing on carbon footprint and food miles
Demand for efficient water use

19. Keep in contact with FPC
Nigel Jenney
Tel: