Six weeks ago, DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) approached Westaway Sausages MD Charles Baughan to gain a typical SME perspective on how UK exports had been impacted by trading requirements and processes since EU exit, and how it has affected their ambition to export to the EU.
“I have had a dialogue with DEFRA over the last 6 weeks, and last week, they asked me to comment on the new Government agreement that was announced on Monday the 19th of May.” said Charles. “In particular they wanted my perspective on the removal of the Export Health Certificates and most routine Sanitary and Photo Sanitary (SPS) checks on products.”
“When seeking clarification from DEFRA post-announcement as to how soon the new agreement might start, I got this response (which is as positive as it gets).”
“It will happen“, said DEFRA. “We will need to work through the details with the EU so it will take a bit of time to finalise a deal. We will start talks straight away though and want businesses to feel the benefits as soon as possible. The current controls and requirements will still apply in the meantime.”
Charles is feeling extremely positive about the opportunity this presents for South West food and drink producers. “The impact of this deal is far reaching; it will reduce cost and help reduce the extra workload and stress that has been associated with every shipment to the EU since Brexit. The range of food and drink that is available in supermarkets across Europe and here in the UK has never been so large. Shoppers are looking for brands that reflect their own values, that have a story and that add value. If you produce food and drink in the South West, then the West Country is a great part of that story behind your brand. If you really believe your brand does offer something unique or different, then this might be the time to consider exporting to Europe.”
- Why now? The recent announcement that Export Health Certificates will not be needed for the EU and that border checks will be minimal will reduce the cost by around £500 per export order and removed the need for extensive paperwork. This will go a long way to making exports “free and frictionless”. Opening the doors for smaller artisan producers to either export on their own, or ship consolidated loads direct to retailers or distributors in the EU.
- When? These changes will take time to filter down, but it will be weeks rather than months. If export is something you wish to consider, start thinking about it now.
- Where? You will know where your produce sells the best, it makes sense to “fish where the fish are”. Research and brainstorm this carefully.
- Who? Ask around your fellow producers, collaborate, learn by their mistakes, do you feel you want an agent to help, or would a distributor be better.
- What? If you decide that your product would sit on an upmarket French Delicatessen, then go and visit some stores. Remember it has to have differentiation that will make customers impulse buy.
Considering these questions might even help you with how you trade at home in the West Country, or further afield.
Charles and Westaway Sausages have extensive experience of export, including selling their sausages into Hong Kong and would be delighted to hear from you. If you would like to call on him for his knowledge then please email him at Charles@westawaysausages.com
