Fruit and vegetables imported into the UK from non-EU countries are expected to see a price increase following the UK Prime Minister's agreement to align with EU food and drink regulations. This alignment will subject imports such as avocados, pineapples, mangoes, and oranges to stricter checks, potentially raising costs for importers.
Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, stated, "Whilst we have resolved the EU border position, we have moved the problem and the cost to non-EU goods. What we have saved on one hand, we have lost on the other." This shift in regulatory compliance is likely to affect products sourced globally, with increased border checks contributing to higher prices.
Currently, less than 5% of citrus fruits imported into the UK undergo checks at ports, a figure that may rise to 100% under the new alignment. On average, only 5% of fresh food products are currently checked, according to the Fresh Produce Consortium. This could have implications for the availability and pricing of these products in the UK market.
Importers are facing limited alternatives, as many of these products cannot be sourced in similar quantities from Europe. Mr. Jenney noted the challenge, saying, "It's not like just saying 'Oh I'll buy it from Europe instead'. It's not available in Europe ... which is why we source it from around the world."
For example, nearly 93% of pineapples in British supermarkets are from Costa Rica, and one-third of avocados are from Peru, according to the International Trade Centre. Additionally, the UK relies on Morocco for over a quarter of its tomato imports, particularly during winter months. Strawberries, too, are increasingly sourced from countries like Egypt, which supplied 17.2% of imported strawberries last year.
Concerns also include potential delays at ports due to increased inspections. Mr. Jenney remarked, "Any inspection by an official body means costs and delays to the industry ... We've solved half the problem, but are imposing another one."
The UK Government claims the reset deal with the EU will lower food prices by reducing checks on animal and plant products. However, industry figures suggest the opposite effect for non-EU imports.
Source: The Telegraph
