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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 .