ForFarmers expects 10 percent growth in UK

With Brexit on the way, ForFarmers expects additional sales opportunities in the United Kingdom (UK). Yoram Knoop, CEO of ForFamers, told BNR Nieuwsradio that he expects a 10% growth in turnover on the other side of the North Sea.

According to Knoop, it is likely that the British will import less meat and produce more themselves in the coming years. This is partly due to the weaker pound, which makes imports more expensive. In addition, the British have become more anti-European. "The Buy British campaign is getting stronger," said Knoop.

Growth opportunities coupled with uncertainty
At the moment 40% of British meat consumption comes from the European Union (EU). "This percentage will decrease step by step." In line with this, British production will increase and ForFarmers therefore expects the demand for animal feed to increase. Knoop assumes that ForFarmers will be able to realize 10% extra turnover in the coming years. In 2017, the British branch of the group achieved a turnover of more than €622 million.

With regard to the expected turnover growth, Knoop does not have a problem with it. The British will have to invest in order to grow their own meat production. That is where the shoe pinches, because according to the CEO, the British are reluctant to make investments. This is due to the uncertainties associated with Brexit.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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