Shoppers in the UK are increasingly worried about the availability of Irish food and drink products following Brexit, according to the latest insight from Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board).
The study, which surveyed 1,000 UK consumers over six periods throughout 2019, found a steady decline in the number of people confident of the availability of Irish F&B products – from 60% in May 2019, to 55% in July, to 47% in September. Conversely, the number of people who aren’t confident rose from 32% in May 2019; to 36% in July; to 47% in September.
Consumer confidence about the cost of Irish food and drink has also dipped, down to 32% in September from 40% in May 2019. The results showed that cost was the primary driver for concern about products currently being bought (64%), followed by availability (52%), variety (49%), and quality (46%).
When asked what food and drink items UK shoppers would miss most if there were to be a reduction in availability or spike in costs, cheddar cheese (64%), butter (62%), and beef (55%) were named as the top three concerns.
Donal Denvir, GM of Great Britain for Bord Bia, said: “The results of this latest round of research clearly show continued reason for positivity and optimism as we approach Brexit. While the statistics reveal a distinctive trend towards a reduction in consumer confidence about the availability and affordability of food and drink post Brexit, it is positive to see that UK consumer perceptions of Irish food and drink, has seen a spike in positivity over recent months.”
Denvir added: “As an organisation, we have been working incredibly closely with food and drink suppliers in Ireland to ensure they are as prepared as possible for the possible scenarios that might unfold over the coming weeks. With the research highlighting the affinity between UK consumer and Irish products, particularly dairy and beef, we will continue to work closely with the retail and foodservice sectors to overcome any challenges that might arise.”
NAM Implications:
- Useful to know the anticipated shortage trouble-spots…
- …and pragmatic businesses will find ways of adjusting to supply & demand variation.
- Just requires a little start-up time…
