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‘The storm clouds are gathering’: What is giving UK food makers the Brexit blues?

02-Nov-2018 - Last updated on 28-Sep-2021 at 12:56 GMT

With just five months to go until Brexit – and little clarity on the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU – British food makers are worried. Here are some insights into what is keeping them up at night.

The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has been an important voice representing the interests of the country’s food and drink sector during the Brexit process.

In the industry body’s most recent confidence survey, for the third quarter of 2018, it is evident that anxiety over the UK’s impending departure from the EU continues to rise.

Higher input costs, volatile exchange rates and worries over tariffs and quotas top the list of causes for concern. Weak economic expectations and consumer price inflation also look set to put pressure on spending.

“These results tell us just how seriously the food and drink industry, the UK's largest manufacturing sector, takes a 'no-deal' Brexit. It is a grisly prospect to which we edge closer every passing day,” FDF CEO Ian Wright said.

“The storm clouds are gathering.”

Watch our video for more details from the FDF confidence survey and further insight on what has UK F&B executives worried.