In response to the ongoing challenges posed by Brexit, UK plant and food traders are setting up their own 'inspection points' to manage the flow of EU goods. This initiative comes as businesses face significant dysfunction in the post-Brexit border system, which has led to increased costs and trade friction. Many traders are joining a 'trusted trader' scheme aimed at reducing these burdens and streamlining operations. The introduction of a new Brexit inspection charge has been met with criticism, as businesses view it as an unnecessary expense that complicates trade further. A recent report highlights that Brexit is 'stifling' both exports and imports, exacerbating the difficulties faced by the food and beverage sector [581b0c83].
The impact of Brexit border controls is also being felt by the Great Taste awards, the world's largest food awards. For the first time in its 30-year history, the awards will be judged outside of the UK. The Guild of Fine Food, which runs the awards, has decided to send its judging panel to Ireland due to the new import controls and paperwork required for European suppliers to bring their products to the UK. The border fees and paperwork have already had a significant impact on British food businesses, adding hundreds of millions of dollars in estimated additional expenses. Smaller businesses are disproportionately affected by the Brexit border rules, which may result in a more limited variety of food items and higher prices for consumers. The decision to move some of the judging to Ireland aims to support businesses and promote small food producers. Prior to Brexit, the UK had free access to a wide range of food offerings from its neighbors without fees or paperwork. The introduction of border fees and paperwork could discourage businesses from exporting to the UK in the future [04acf703].