Brexit could boost African perishable exports – Barclays Bank

African exporters and their
logistics chains could be one
of the beneficiaries of the exit
of Britain from the European
Common Market.
A survey of retailers by
Barclays Bank has found that
the origin of the products on
British shelves could change
as retailers adjust their supply
chains following the UK’s vote
to leave the EU.
Retailers are looking
to build more efficient
supply chains (76%), and
are considering changing
suppliers (30%) and
sourcing from different
countries (28%), according
to the findings.
Some 38% of respondents
said they would be buying
more products from
African sources.
The biggest opportunity
for South Africa and
neighbouring countries
seems to be in the supply of
perishables – providing they
can compete against local
suppliers in Britain and other
growers around the world.
“Getting your supply chain
strategy right can be the key
to success for retailers,” said
Ian Gilmartin, head of retail
& wholesale at Barclays.
Exporters will also have to
adapt to help British retailers
meet the growing trend
towards online shopping.
“The boom in online retail
puts huge pressure on supply
chains.
“Unpredictable consumer
demand, coupled with
rising expectations around
delivery options and speed
of fulfilment, mean that cost
pressures are going to remain
an issue.
“It’s important that retailers
work with their suppliers to
make sure consumers receive
the level of service they want,
and indeed now expect as
standard, in the most costefficient
way possible for the
retailer,” says Gilmartin.