"Apart for a few more bureaucratic steps, there are no particular problems when it comes to the sale and delivery of produce to Great Britain. It is just like selling in Norway and Switzerland - a few more documents are needed, but there are no duties," reports Mirco Zanelli, sales manager at Apofruit Italia.
Mirco Zanelli in an archive photo
"The UK is an important market for us. Some years, the turnover reaches 15-20%. We work with big retail chains or importers 12 months a year. For the past few years, the leading product has been seedless grapes, and British consumers particularly appreciate our varieties."
In addition to seedless grapes, kiwifruit and apples are also popular. Stone fruit was more in demand up until a few years ago, when Spain arrived with its better organization and competitive prices.
"To sell in Great Britain, you now need a declaration of origin of the produce and a customs declaration."