UK retailers reject claims that food supply will not be affected by no-deal Brexit

02 Sep 2019 --- The UK retail industry has rejected government claims that there will be no shortages of fresh food under a no-deal Brexit scenario. MP Michael Gove was questioned about food supplies on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show yesterday, insisting that "everyone will have the food they need" if Britain leaves the EU without a deal. But retailers – who have been warning for years a no-deal would be “catastrophic” on food supply – have hit back. “It is categorically untrue that the supply of fresh food will be unaffected under a no-deal Brexit. The retail industry has been crystal clear in its communications with Government over the past 36 months that the availability of fresh foods will be impacted as a result of checks and delays at the border,” says a British Retail Consortium (BRC) spokesperson.

“Indeed, the Government’s own assessments showed that the flow of goods through the channel crossings could be reduced by 40-60 percent from day one, as would the “availability and choice” of some foods. The BRC’s own assessment has shown that soft fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes and lettuce, would likely see reduced availability as they are largely imported during the winter months.”

The BRC also points out that retailers are continuing to work with their suppliers to maintain stocks of non-perishable goods and plan ahead for any disruption caused by a no-deal Brexit which could also include delays at ports. 

“It is impossible to mitigate it fully as neither retailers nor consumers can stockpile fresh foods. The reality remains that a no-deal Brexit in October would present the worst of all worlds for our high streets and those who shop there,” the BRC spokesperson continues. “Retailers will be preparing for Christmas, stretching already limited warehousing capacity and the UK will be importing the majority of its fresh food from the EU, magnifying the impact of border delays.”

Edited by Gaynor Selby