Page 6 - Be Ready For Brexit

FURTHER GUIDANCE FOR FOOD AND GROCERY TRADERS
As fresh produce, food and grocery traders you will be familiar with the fact that you have many more regulations and controls to work within and to trade responsibly.
In addition to the four Ps of Product, Prices, People and Preparation you also have a fifth —Provenance.
In today’s marketplace, and on today’s markets, customers are increasingly wanting assurance about the quality and origin of products they are buying from you.
All the points raised in the previous section for all market traders are valid for food and grocery traders, with an additional emphasis on the continued supply and sourcing of quality produce. There are a number of specific areas to focus your preparations on, including:
Food and drink labelling — there is generic advice and particular advice and guidance in relation to marketing standards and food labelling.
It is expected that certain food categories will be subject to changes:
• Fruit and vegetables
• Hops and hop products
• Wine
• Beef and veal
• Eggs, hatching eggs and chicks,
poultry meat
— There will be changes to EU health and identification marks, organic labelling, country of origin for mixed foods and geographical indication logos
— There are specific instructions for traders on actions to take in regard to food labelling
— The Government has announced a 21 month transition period for labelling changes after exit day, don’t leave it to the last minute
The Government Brexit website and the Food Standards Agency website offers clear advice and instruction for food and grocery traders. Please review the advice, sign up for updates and also pass on the links to your suppliers and producers.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/food-labelling-changes-after-brexit
https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/prepare-your-business-for-the-uk-leaving- the-eu#get-ready-for-brexit
— As with the general advice section, take every opportunity to make sure that you are promoting your positive actions and messages to your customers. Removing doubt and concern from their mind will result in more sales for you.
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