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Where are the main‘ Brexit’ foodservice opportunities?
Less reliant on cheap labour, eg: high end;
Will there be a more aggressive‘ Buy British’ campaign? Backman asked.
The factors in favour are: a weaker pound, making imports more expensive; the Brexit debate has opened up‘ nativism’; and the trend towards local sourcing.
However, the factors against include: most food is imported( including 29 % from the EU); Brits may be too pragmatic for a simple‘ Buy British’ message, and too uncomfortable with such nationalism; and simply that it hasn’ t happened before.
On balance, Backman thought it unlikely.
Benefit from tourism / overseas visitors, eg: in London;
High gross profit, eg: pizza, desserts;
Opportunity to really benefit from reduced waste / improved productivity;
More reliant on IT, eg: app-based / online ordering;
Less reliant on labour, eg: delivery.
In his final thoughts, Backman warned of the potential challenges of falling consumer confidence but concluded that for our innovative and resilient industry, it’ s always a good year and 2017 will have its successes.