Post-Brexit Shift: EU Gains, UK Loses

Before Brexit, the UK was a major supplier of fresh produce to Ireland. But Brexit has dramatically reshaped this trade relationship. According to Central Statistics Office (CSO) data, the EU’s share of Irish FFV imports has surged to 61%, while the UK’s share has plummeted by 51.9%. Countries like the Netherlands and Belgium have emerged as the big winners, filling the void left by the UK.

Post-Brexit Shift: EU Gains, UK Loses

Before Brexit, the UK was a major supplier of fresh produce to Ireland. But Brexit has dramatically reshaped this trade relationship. According to Central Statistics Office (CSO) data, the EU’s share of Irish FFV imports has surged to 61%, while the UK’s share has plummeted by 51.9%. Countries like the Netherlands and Belgium have emerged as the big winners, filling the void left by the UK.

Efficient Logistics: The Key to Success in the New Trade Landscape

As EU countries, particularly the Netherlands and Belgium, continue to capture a growing portion of the Irish FFV market, the role of logistics has never been more crucial.  Transporting fresh produce across Europe presents numerous challenges, from maintaining quality to navigating new customs checks.  But efficient, temperature-controlled logistics ensure that fruits and vegetables reach Irish supermarkets in perfect condition, despite the longer supply chain.

Our specialised refrigerated trailers and temperature-control systems help keep produce fresh from farm to fork. Whether it’s full truckloads (FTL) or groupage (LTL), we coordinate shipments through strategic routes like the Hook of Holland to Harwich or Rotterdam to Hull, utilising the UK landbridge for the fastest possible transit times.  Despite new checks brought in this year under the UK Brexit trade agreement, the UK Landbridge remains optimal route for fresh produce in and out of Ireland to/from northern Europe.

Maintaining Supply Chain Visibility and Meeting Demand

In the complex supply chain that supports the Irish FFV market, real-time monitoring and vehicle tracking have become indispensable. By using these technologies, we can ensure that every load is delivered with precision, maintaining the high quality expected by Irish supermarkets and wholesalers. With the increased demand for fresh, quality produce, the ability to provide just-in-time (JIT) delivery is vital.

Moreover, our in-house Customs Clearance Teams in both Holland and Ireland manage the new post-Brexit customs processes seamlessly, ensuring that border checks do not slow down deliveries. This ensures that Irish supermarkets can continue to offer their customers a steady supply of fresh produce, despite the complexities brought on by Brexit.

Benelux & northern France to Ireland

HANNON Transport can offer a reliable and cost-effective route for fresh produce importers and wholesalers doing business with suppliers in Belgium.

Our highly experienced team has a long track record of delivering innovative, reliable, and scalable transport solutions.  Whether it’s one pallet, a full load or a multi-load consignment we have the people and resources that can deliver for you.

Typically, we can collect your consignment from your supplier in Belgium by 2pm Day 1 and have it delivered to your premises in Ireland for Day 3.

Our fully in-house Customs Administration Team provide complete customs administration solutions to ensure products move cross-border without delays.

Looking Ahead: Navigating New Opportunities

As the Irish market continues to evolve post-Brexit, the demand for efficient, reliable, and fast logistics solutions will only grow.  The rise of EU countries like the Netherlands and Belgium as key suppliers means that Irish retailers need logistics partners who can navigate both the regulatory and logistical challenges of cross-border trade.

HANNON Transport believes the same logistics success seen with Irish and UK fresh produce can be applied to French fresh fruit and vegetables, thanks to enhanced logistics links and innovative solutions. With the opening of our new transport and storage hub in Arras, Northern France, and leveraging our base in Rungis, Paris, we are poised to provide advanced groupage, consolidation, and cross-docking services.  The Arras hub’s strategic location near Calais and Dunkirk ports offers seamless connectivity, expanding our ability to support businesses in France and across Europe.

At HANNON Transport, we’re committed to delivering on this promise.  With over 30 years of experience in temperature-controlled logistics, we’re proud to support Ireland’s fresh produce industry by ensuring that we provide access to Irish importers, wholesalers, supermarkets, and consumers to the best of Europe’s fresh produce