UK Food Industry response to Brexit vote: a disappointing result

More details on the FDF Food Industry Poll

A comprehensive poll of members carried out by the Food and Drink Federation saw more than two thirds (71%) of those responding support the 'remain' option. A further 17% responded 'my company chooses not to express a preference' while 12% expressed support for the 'leave' option. The response rate was 50%.

Ian Wright CBE, director general of FDF, at the toime of publishing the poll result (March 15, 2016):
 

“71% of FDF members who voted believe the interests of their business will be best served by the UK voting to remain in the European Union. Members identified the single market, access to raw materials and the free movement of labour among key considerations in coming to their view.”

“FDF members also helped to identify priorities for ongoing EU reform that would boost our sector's long term competitiveness. These included increasing access to non-EU markets to boost exports of finished goods and ensure imports of required ingredients, safeguarding free movement of labour within the EU and tackling unnecessary red tape, in particular to ensure consistent interpretation and implementation of EU employment regulation.”

“Of course, FDF is a representative of all of its members; so we completely respect those (17% of those voting) whose business chose not express a preference and those (12% of those voting) who supported the 'leave' option. We speak on behalf of our membership as a whole, not on behalf of any single member company.”

“I am delighted that our Executive Committee felt strongly that we should have a clear point of view on the most important issues facing our industry. Few are more important than the EU referendum and our point of view is clear – the UK should remain a member!”.