Britons intend to buy British food post-Brexit, says poll

Lockdown and Brexit may have altered people’s food shopping habits

Some even said they would be willing to splash out more to ensure their food was British  (AFP via Getty Images)

More than half of UK adults intend to buy more British produce this year due to Brexit, according to a poll.

The survey of 2,000 adults revealed two thirds want to support the economy, while many believe it’s simply a logical choice.

And almost all of those asked think it’s important for major brands to support British producers following the UK’s exit from the EU.

Several are also conscious of where their food comes from following Brexit, with a few saying they would be willing to pay an average of 10 per cent more for a product if it’s made in Britain.  

Lockdown has also played its part in changing shopping habits, as people have supported more local businesses due to the imposed restrictions.  

Dean Towey, from Princes, owner of food production company Crosse & Blackwell which commissioned the survey, said: “It’s clear from the research that consumers are more committed than ever to buying local produce and supporting British farmers this year.

“If anything, recent changes seem to have sparked renewed consideration of where the food they buy comes from and the difference they can make to producers here in the UK by buying British.”

According to the research, a third of Brits’ food shops are locally sourced, with an average of £21 being spent every week on UK products.

However, more than half do not check the source of produce before they buy it.

Of those who actively shop for locally sourced foods, supporting local businesses, farmers and the community was the driving force or to “do their bit” for the planet.

Television presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty, ambassador for Crosse & Blackwell, said: “The UK has a fantastic range of delicious, homegrown produce available

“Grocery shopping and eating habits have changed dramatically over the past year, and I hope we’ll continue to see more and more people supporting local producers in 2021.”

It also emerged more than six in 10 of those polled via OnePoll would like to see big brands sourcing local produce. Many would like to know where their food has come from and would be more supportive of brands that use British ingredients.

Core items such as milk, eggs and meat were items Brits would only buy if they were UK sourced, while a third would only purchase homegrown fruit.

SWNS