Food companies with us see exports rise since Brexit

West Flanders has the most companies in the food sector. Some of them only started making deliveries across the canal after Brexit, such as the Beauvoords Bakhuis in Veurne. To export pancakes to the UK they just need to get some documents in order. “That’s five copies. It’s a bit the same as we have to do for Switzerland. That country is not a member of the European Union,” says Karen Pauwelyn of the Beauvoords Bakhuis.

Well prepared

The entire food industry does not seem to be affected by Brexit, on the contrary. Exports increased by 33 percent. A big contrast with the Netherlands, where exports fell by three percent, and in Germany by even nineteen percent. Food federation Fevia explains how this can be: “The paperwork is still limited, it will probably grow later. On the other hand, we see that the companies are very well prepared, both from our federation and from Flanders Investment and Trade,” says Nicholas Courant.

Karen, for example, follows online courses. A larger administration does not deter her. “No, then we will also pass that on to our customer. In the end, we were not a party asking for Brexit. If you want to export and they want to buy, you will definitely get out.”