The European, Irish, and British food sectors are deeply concerned about the supply consequences following the UK’s departure from the EU.
They warn that delivery problems may arise for food products transported via British territory. Under EU rules, these goods are then considered British, even if produced by an EU company. This results in extra costs and paperwork.
The British Food and Drink Federation expects that EU companies will soon stop using the transit route to Ireland. Currently, many European companies still send their products to British distribution centers, after which the products are forwarded to Ireland.
Many Irish companies also ship their goods to mainland Europe via Great Britain, with approximately 150,000 trucks crossing the so-called British 'land bridge' annually. This now means clearing customs not once, but twice.
An EU official said that the food industry will have to adapt. “You cannot expect Brexit to have no consequences. The United Kingdom will no longer be a distribution point for the European Union.”
Transport of goods between Ireland and ports on the French mainland will likely rely much more often on direct ferry connections. The number of connections and sailings is being expanded, and the Irish are already working on establishing new ferry services.
According to Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, recent transport disruptions at the ferry ports of Calais and Dover demonstrated the necessity of 'alternative routes' for the land bridge. Ferry company Stena Line has doubled capacity on its direct freight route between Rosslare (Southeast Ireland) and the French port of Cherbourg ahead of Christmas.
Although sailing times on direct crossings by sea to the European continent are longer, concerns over Brexit have already prompted many Irish exporters and importers to make use of the increased capacity on these routes.