The early morning event, which will take place on Wednesday 6 July, will bring together exporters and specialists in currency management, UK consumer behaviour and EU trade regulations.

It follows on from intensive Bord Bia engagement with UK customers through its London operation and its own post-Brexit poll of businesses exporting to the UK.

A poll carried out over the past weekend and into this week, together with one-to-one discussions, revealed that:

  • Exporters are very uncertain about the implications of the UK decision and the impact on their business. Four out of ten expect their sales to decline, three out of ten expect them to remain unchanged and a third don't know.
  • Exchange rate volatility is the overriding concern, cited by almost six out of ten firms, followed by the prospect of tariffs and border controls, cited by over one in every five.
  • While one in three companies say they will search out new markets, the remaining two out of three opt for alternative solutions, generally focusing on a reduction in costs and recovering losses from higher prices.
  • The majority of companies are only now considering their options, few had put a plan in place prior to the result of the referendum.
  • Exporters showed a desire to hold their ground in the UK

    Commeting on the survey, Aidan Cotter, Bord Bia’s CEO said: “While our post-Brexit poll of food companies indicates obvious concern about short term shocks and uncertainty, exporters showed a desire to hold their ground in the UK and are seeking assistance in developing the skills required to manage their way through the current difficulties based on insight and feedback from UK customers, buyers and consumers.”

    Bord Bia says the overwhelming need articulated by clients is for information and regular updates on the market and on the negotiations and implications as they unfold.

    They also want support to develop and defend their positions in the UK market and navigate through the changes.

    A profound impact on the industry.

    Meanwhile, at the annual Dairy UK seminar held this Wednesday 29 June, Dairy UK chief executive Dr Judith Bryans said the events of the last few days are bound to have a profound impact on the UK's dairy industry and "we must ensure we take all the right steps to make our sector more resilient, competitive and profitable".

    Drawing on the example of Ireland, John Jordan, chief executive officer of Ornua Foods Europe, said: “An effective export strategy must be deliberate – it requires focus, investment and commitment. It is vital to build sustainable routes and develop a strong understanding of both the supply chain and the value chain.”

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    Brexit puts food and agribusiness at risk – Aon

    Full coverage: Brexit