Working together for the good of the consumer

Natures Way Foods were delighted to welcome senior officials from the National Farmers Union (NFU) and Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on Friday 24^th February to discuss the issues surrounding the food industry as UK ministers pulls together the strategy to leave the European Union.

The visit consisted of a factory tour of the Natures Way Foods Selsey site, presentation about the business and an innovation lunch prepared by the in-house chefs.

Natures Way Foods is one of the 71 businesses who co-signed the letter to the Prime Minister on 30^th November 2016 to raise concerns of the food and farming industry regarding access to labour and trade, and highlighted the importance of access to both in order to maintain delivery of high quality affordable food to consumers.

Delegates from DEFRA commented that “The time they took to show us around their facility was hugely appreciated and they gave us great insight into the labour issues they face as well as the complex and time-critical supply chain they run…what we saw will really help with our thinking around Brexit as we work through issues”.

Richard Bonn, supply chain director for Natures Way Foods, commented “Brexit presents a unique set of risks and opportunities to the future of the industry, our business, our customers and ultimately the consumers.  We welcome the opportunity to provide insight and share our concerns relating to future policy.”  The availability of European migrant labour and tariff-free trade with Europe are the key issues for the UK food industry following Brexit.