Voice of London

The British meat industry has recently warned Theresa May’s government that mince costs might go up 50% if the UK leaves Europe without a deal next March.

Nick Allen, CEO of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) told  exclusively to The Voice of London that the government has to work out a Brexit deal that excludes the reinstatement of import and export tariffs with the EU.

New tariffs and a raise in price will result in a sales drop for all types of meat, including beef mince. 

According to figures acquired by The Guardian , mince is the most consumed in the UK out of all beef products. 

Currently, 35% of beef arrives mostly from European Union member states with Ireland counting for 68% of the total.

Beef burgers will take a big hit, as Mr Allen explained they are mostly made up of a mixture of British and Irish bits. Since most companies are Irish owned, they could make the importation in the United Kingdom more expensive.

Due to the consistent Irish contribution to the British market, Nick Allen believes it is “fundamental to avoid any Brexit deal that involves bringing back a hard border with Northern Ireland.”

BMPA is currently attending multiple meeting and “lobbying” the government and MPs to make sure the United Kingdom leaves the European Union with a deal that will not penalise consumers and businesses.

Right now, minced beef prices in supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s vary from a minimum of £ 1.49 to over £5 for 400/500 g, but that might change very soon and not all consumers will be able to take the hit.

Words: Benedetta Laterza | Subbing: Salvi Shahlaie