A Brexit deal means PDO is here to stay!

3rd March 2021

So it finally happened, a deal was made between the UK and the EU following Brexit. Brexit caused changes in our relationship with our European neighbours, from EU law to free trade and friendly cooperation.

The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed to unprecedented 100% tariff liberalisation, meaning no tariffs or quotas on the movement of goods we produce between the UK and EU. It is the first deal that has ever allowed zero tariffs and zero quotas, preserving all benefits of free trade for millions of people and companies in the UK and across Europe.

For Futura this news generated a sigh of relief as it means not transferring tariffs of our products onto our customers here in the UK. Also meaning we can continue business whilst ensuring we give our customers the best service possible.

As our customers are aware, ensuring we supply the correct products for their product mix and portfolio is top of our priorities. One of the ways in which we do this is to take pride in our offering of authentic products and PDO products from all over Europe.

Within Europe, for food and beverages with a protected origin, three different geographical indicators exist, PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and TSG (Traditional Specialities Guaranteed). These promote and protect the names of agricultural products and foodstuffs that come from a specific area or region. Within the UK the protection is called a geographical indicator, which protects the characteristics or reputation, authenticity and origin of the product.

There was a fear that in the light of a no-deal Brexit the UK would require a new UK PGI scheme to be put in place immediately, although this may mean a little change. However EU-wide protection could have been lost, EU producers would have to seek acceptance via a new UK scheme. A worrying thought as it could compromise quality and integrity without strict direction on production.

However as the deal has been agreed, it means that the European PDO’s remain in force. The products that have PDO protection remain the distinctive quality products with vast amounts of history and authenticity, which we all know and love. At Futura we will continue to use the best suppliers, work closely with these suppliers and provide our customers the best traditionally made products with our in-depth knowledge and understanding of them.