Brexit – Good or Bad for the Food Industry?
Please note this article was originally written and published on our website in 2017 – we have now updated sections to reflect the current situation in 2023.
However, you look at it, Brexit (and its aftermath) will have a profound impact on every UK industry, but whether it is positive or negative will depend largely on the individual factors at play that affect every sector differently.Looking at the possible ramifications for the chilled food industry, it is apparent that these could be widely felt.
2023 Editor’s note: Now that Brexit is “complete”, there have certainly been ramifications to the food industry. It has not been as clear cut as hoped either, with definite guidelines from the Government on aspects such as food labelling delayed multiple times, and now not expected to apply until January 2024.
Customs Clearance
It seems highly likely that the process of getting goods in and out of Europe to or from the UK will take longer than at present once Brexit has been completed. This could be due to more paperwork, or more invasive procedures, but it’s likely the time spent at the border will be extended.
It might only be by a few minutes or it could be hours or days depending on helpful our European cousins want to be – on balance, we consider this to have a neutral impact as our Insulated Shipping Systems and Reflective Air Bags will keep the goods inside at their required temperature to accommodate for delays without any increase in wastage.
Hydropac offers every customer a customized solution for chilled and conditioned shipping. For example, we help a customer with limited freezing capacity to deliver gel packs frozen and ready to use, and we can manufacture almost all shapes and sizes of cooling elements. As a customer, you come first: we are here to help you.
2023 Editor’s note: There are now border checks for foodstuffs, which vary depending on the type of food being shipped, where it is being shipped to, and who is transporting it. These do add some delays so it is imperative that chilled foodstuffs are kept at a constant temperature using food grade coolants such as ice packs and proper temperature controlled packaging systems.
For more on the current customs and border controls in place, please see:
- https://www.gov.uk/labelling-and-handling-food-for-international-transport
- https://hydropac.co.uk/sending-foodstuffs-within-the-eu/
Driver Shortages
EU drivers are heavily leaned upon in the logistics sector, which could mean that we see shortages if tighter immigration controls are introduced.
However – not all is lost. The Trailblazer apprentice scheme is just one of the ways the UK is working to invest in UK trained heavy goods vehicles drivers, which would aim to make up any deficit and also provide more employment opportunities for those with a licence.
2023 Editor’s note: We certainly have seen driver shortages since Brexit and also because of COVID-19 – these combined have served to create a shortage issue that has not yet fully resolved. In 2022, The Road Haulage Association reported a shortage of around 100,000 drivers although this has been seen to come down more recently to around 70,000. This is still a massive figure however, so with driver shortages an ongoing problem, there will most likely continue to be consequences of this including late deliveries, supply shortages and supply chain issues in general.
The Trailblazer
Sustainability Hydropac and CSR
Sustainability isn’t just a trend for us – it’s a promise. As we innovate, create, and lead, we keep our planet’s well-being at the forefront. With Hydropac, you’re not just preserving the quality of your cargo; you’re contributing to a healthier world.
Experience the power of sustainable temperature assurance with Hydropac – where excellence and environmental responsibility coexist for a brighter future.
