New fruit varieties, intelligent harvesting machines and plastic-free packaging ideas are presented by exhibitors at Fruit Logistica. The trade fair presents innovations in all aspects of fruit and vegetable cultivation. But visitors also discuss the consequences of a Brexit, as a survey by rbb24 shows.
Several contracts and events during the fair deal with the possible consequences of a Brexit. After all, the UK is an important market for exporters. The country is the second largest importer of fruit and vegetables in the EU after Germany. British traders buy 6.5 million tons of fruit abroad. In the case of fruit, for example, the island covers only 16 percent of its own requirements.
Influence on delivery times
Brexit could make the import of food considerably more difficult. Nicole Visbeen is managing director of the Dutch "DailyFresh Logistics". She still sends about 150 trucks with fresh fruit and vegetables to the UK every day. She has already hired someone who will take care of the customs formalities alone in case of a disorderly Brexit. "If there is a deal, we have enough time to prepare with our customers for the customs' situation. But there are also delivery times. At this time, we deliver within 12 to 24 hours. Without a deal, it could take up to three days to deliver fresh food to the UK."
Source: rbb24