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Bord Bia

Statement from Bord Bia, CEO, Tara McCarthy on no deal Brexit taking effect on 1st January 2021

Bord Bia has expressed disappointment that an EU/UK free trade agreement has been inconclusive, giving effect to a no deal Brexit from 1st January 2021 which carries with it a potential €1.5bn impact on our food and drink exports. 

Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia, said:

“Despite the herculean efforts towards an EU/UK free trade deal, it is with sincere disappointment that Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exporters face into 2021 with the stark reality of trading in a post-Brexit Britain and adapting to a new tariff regime that brings with it a new set of competitive forces.

That said, on the eve of a no deal Brexit, Irish food and drink producers ranked their Brexit preparedness at 93% following four long years of preparations including customs training, logistics and supply chain management.  With €4.5bn in Irish food exports destined for the UK last year, this market is crucial for our beef, dairy, prepared consumer foods and horticulture producers who will need continued support to navigate the challenges that lie ahead, such as increased cost pressures, complex trading arrangements and the impact of a new UK tariff regime that could negatively impact our exports to the tune of €1.5bn. 

While trading in post-Brexit Britain will bring many challenges, we must not lose sight of the fact that the UK will have a continuing need for food and drink imports.  Our market insights show that strong demand for Irish produce will also continue amongst UK consumers.  Bord Bia and our food producers have been doubling down to protect our hard-won position as the UK’s preferred food and drink partner and these efforts will continue along with a priority focus on market diversification. 

In recent years, our food and drink exporters, supported by Bord Bia’s global network, have enjoyed considerable success in opening up new markets and we are seeing Asia emerge as a key diversification destination for our exports.  Our resolute commitment to protecting our market share in the UK, and, accelerating our already vast market diversification efforts in the EU and international market will be our key priorities in this new reality.”

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