The Brexit Consumer Pulse research, which tracks consumer sentiment in the UK, found that UK shoppers consider Irish food and drink as the next best alternative.
When asked what Irish food and drink items UK shoppers would miss if there was a reduction in availability after Brexit, the data revealed cheddar cheese (65%) was the most popular followed by butter (61%) and beef (53%).
The research also revealed that UK consumers believe Irish food and drink has the greatest environmental sustainability credentials compared to other EU countries.
Around 34% of Irish exports go to the UK so Bord Bia has been working to prepare food and drink suppliers in Ireland for the impact of Brexit.
Donal Denvir, Bord Bia general manager, Great Britain, said: “Despite the fact that 72% of the people in the UK feel that the current economic situation has had a negative effect on their confidence, it is really positive to see consumer perceptions of Irish food and drink remaining strong during this period of uncertainty.
“Bord Bia recently published the fourth edition of its Brexit Action Plan which provides practical information that Irish food and drink manufacturers can utilise in order to prepare for increased complexity in future trade with the UK.
“We are continuing to run our Customs Readiness Programme and in the last two weeks alone we have had more than 50 Irish companies registering to ensure that they are as prepared as they can be for the certainties that we already know that Brexit will bring, such as custom declarations.”
The British Consumer Pulse survey results show that UK shoppers are still concerned about the cost, quality and variety of food available after Brexit. An estimated 65% of UK shoppers view Ireland as a ‘friend of the UK’ compared to other key markets.