A hard Brexit; what would it mean for SW food and drink companies?

European exports are worth millions to South West exporters, so our International Trade Director, James Monk travelled to Bristol’s twin city, Bordeaux to explore the impact of a no deal Brexit. 

He finds that if we fall back on WTO terms, tariffs will result in a 40% increase in costs on cheddar cheese – and we sell £85m worth of cheese to France.  With 20% of British lamb ending up in France the extra tariff of 42% will also have an impact on this industry.  Beer tariffs will remain the same – so no increase there, although he speaks to a West Country supplier who is worried about potential delays at borders or in getting any necessary visas.