London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026

Which food prices will be increased by Brexit?

Which food prices will be increased by Brexit?

As of January 1, Britain stops adhering to European Union rules following Brexit – which means new rules on everything from European flights to what we eat are on the way.

The terms are still under negotiation, so it is not yet known what the changes will be.

However, it is possible that Brexit will have an impact on our food shop prices – as 26% of the food eaten in the UK comes from EU countries, according to gov.uk.

But why would food prices change, and what foods could be affected?

Why would food prices change because of Brexit?


Though the UK left the EU on January 31 2020, no major changes were made to the way trade worked between the two parties.

Those changes will come into play on January 1 2021, after a series of negotiation talks between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU officials.


Could the price of fruit increase due to Brexit?


The changes involve significant import taxes (tariffs) from both sides, which would be required by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) – unless the UK and EU agree a trade deal to carry on without tariffs in the coming days.

This higher cost of import means that the price of the foods would also increase.

Which foods will go up in price because of Brexit?


If a deal isn’t agreed, and WTO rules come into place, it’s likely certain products in our supermarkets will become slightly more expensive.

It’s still speculation at the moment, but here’s what that could look like:

Pork, bacon and beef – slightly more expensive bacon is a possibility in the event of a ‘no-deal’ scenario.

Brie – Tesco chair John Allan recently suggested that brie prices could rise by 40% if import taxes are implemented.

Fruit and veg – unbranded products from the EU could see a price rise of 12.5%, depending on what happens during trade negotiations, according to the BBC.


Chicken, fruit and veg prices are thought to be affected by tariffs


Halloumi or Roquefort cheese – these cheeses could be 55% more expensive, according to the London School of Economics.

Fresh chicken – tariffs could reach 12p per chicken, according to Which? That doesn’t necessarily mean customers will pay 12p extra, though.

Will any food prices drop because of Brexit?


Even if a deal IS agreed, it’s highly unlikely any prices on EU food products will drop.

The London School of Economics estimates that with a variety of other costs adding up, there’ll be a 4.7% price rise on unbranded products from the EU.

That said, as new trade deals with non-EU countries roll in, anything could happen.

Just remember that cheaper doesn’t always equal better – especially as extremely low prices might be devastating competition for UK farmers, who currently supply around 50% of the country’s food.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
UK Announces New Military Infrastructure at Catterick to Support Engineer Regiment Relocation
University of Reading Ranked Among Top 100 Globally for Sustainability Impact
UK Launches Counter-Fraud Taskforce to Investigate Covid Loan Scams
UK Government Introduces Customs and Tax Reforms to Support High Street Retailers
Jonathan Haskel Nominated as Chair of the UK Office for Budget Responsibility
UK Government Expands Powers to Recover Benefit Debt and Tackle Welfare Fraud
Labour Party Leadership Contest Intensifies as Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband Clash Over Economic Direction
Rail Operators Urge Essential Travel Only as Extreme Heat Threatens UK Network Stability
United Kingdom Issues Red Extreme Heat Warning as Temperatures Forecast to Reach 38°C
Keir Starmer Announces Resignation as UK Prime Minister Amid Deepening Political Instability
UK Biotechnology Sector Receives Increased Public Funding to Support Regional Growth
Police Chiefs Update National Protest Management Guidelines Amid Rising Demonstration Activity
UK Aviation Regulator Expands Support for Regional Airports to Strengthen Domestic Routes
CMA Launches Investigation Into Retail Pricing Across UK Grocery Sector
UK Energy Operator Warns of Winter Supply Pressures Despite Stable Overall Grid Outlook
UK Research Council Expands Funding for Regional Biotechnology and Life Sciences Clusters
UK Compensation Scheme for Post Office Horizon Scandal Reaches 80 Percent Completion
Police Chiefs Issue Updated National Guidance on Managing Large Public Demonstrations
UK Expands Regional Airport Funding Scheme to Boost Domestic Connectivity
UK Competition Watchdog Launches Inquiry Into Grocery Pricing Practices
National Grid Warns of Tight Energy Management Needs During Upcoming Winter Peak Demand
UK Education Department Introduces National Standards for AI Use in Secondary Schools
UK High Court Clears North Sea Carbon Capture Project After Final Legal Challenge Fails
Northern Ireland Leaders Hold Emergency Talks on Trade Disruption Under Windsor Framework
Welsh Government Moves to Expand Social Housing in Response to Severe Affordability Pressures
UK Economy Sees Unexpected Rise in Business Investment in Second Quarter, ONS Data Shows
Scottish Government Unveils Multi-Billion Pound Investment Plan for Renewable Energy and Grid Expansion
UK and EU Agree Enhanced Defence Cooperation Pact Covering Intelligence and North Sea Security
Prime Minister Orders Independent Review of NHS Performance After Record Waiting Lists
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates at 5 Percent as Services Inflation Remains Persistent
UK Heatwave Disrupts Transport, Healthcare and Public Services as Red Weather Alerts Expand Nationwide
Barclays Warns of Growing Cyber Risk Divide Between Large UK Firms and Micro Businesses
European Defence Plans Including Ukraine Integration Prompt UK Strategic Reassessment
UK Equity Markets React as US–Iran Peace Roadmap Eases Oil Price Pressures
United Kingdom Expands Global Clean Energy Partnerships With Brazil, Morocco and Tanzania
Lord David Frost Urges Incoming UK Leadership to Abandon EU Regulatory Reset Strategy
Housing Groups Support Amendment to Strengthen Fire and Gas Safety Access Powers in Social Housing
South London NHS Estates Staff Ballot on Industrial Action Over Pay Structures in Hospital Maintenance Services
United Kingdom Government Invests £60 Million in AI Research Labs at Oxford and University College London
Barclays Cyber Security Report Highlights Rising Threat Exposure Among UK Small Businesses in AI-Driven Attacks
UK Met Office Heatwave Triggers Transport Warnings as Rail Operators Urge Cancellations Amid Infrastructure Strain
South London NHS Estates Workers Ballot for Strike Action Over Pay Disputes Across Major London Hospitals
Barclays Warns of Severe Cyber Security Gap Between Large Corporations and Small Businesses in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom Government Allocates £60 Million for Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratories at Oxford and UCL
National Health Service Approves Teplizumab Treatment to Delay Onset of Type One Diabetes in First European Rollout
Met Office Issues Rare Red Extreme Heat Warning Across London, South East and West Midlands as Transport and Health Systems Face Disruption
Prime Minister Keir Starmer Resigns After Labour Party Revolt Following Economic Stagnation and Local Election Losses
United Kingdom Economy Contracts for Second Consecutive Month as Private Sector Weakens and Job Loss Fears Rise
Taxpayer Support Grows for Higher Digital Levies on Multinational Tech Companies
Bank of England Signals Caution Over Inflation Despite Easing Energy Prices
×