The Black Farmer’s export plans delayed by Brexit

The UK’s decision to exit the EU has created a “classic wait and see scenario”​ said Emmanuel-Jones, preventing the company from making any deals with potential overseas customers until the situation is sorted out.

However, he told FoodManufacture.co.uk that he wasn’t fearful of Brexit and that it was human nature to face such challenges head on.

“I’m fed up with all the time and focus that has been given to it ​[Brexit], because I’m of the belief that we should just get on with it,”​ Emmanuel-Jones said. “Ten years from now when we look at this, we’re going to be thinking ‘why did the country spend so much time debating ​[Brexit]’.

“It’s a fear of an uncertainty and I don’t know why we don’t learn. Why are you fearful of uncertainty? The whole part of the human condition is to live with it.”​

Brexit would not affect the company​

The Black Farmer sources its pork from British suppliers rather than other countries in the EU, so Emmanuel-Jones was confident that Brexit would not affect the company. He also argued that the UK imported too much meat from abroad

His advice to businesses looking to start exporting was first to try launching their products in other parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

“We are launching in Scotland and I’m treating that like I’m exporting to another country,”​ he said. “They have different ideas and customs. I would say try that before you try exporting to the European countries.​

“Treat Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland as your test ground, because it’s about understanding the consumer difference. You don’t just go into countries thinking that what works in England will work in these countries.”​

Raised without antibiotics​

The Black Farmer is to launch a range of pork products using pork raised without antibiotics – the first mainstream brand to do so, it claimed.

Emmanuel-Jones said there had been a growing demand for meat products created without the use of antibiotics.

“The consumer has been fantastic at pushing our industry into improving farming practices, making this country’s animal welfare standards some of the best in the world,” ​​added Jones.

“Raised without antibiotics is another step in that direction. I am glad to be the first to market with this concept in pork cuts.”​​

Meanwhile, Food Manufacture​ caught up with Emmanuel-Jones while driving through the streets of London in this exclusive video interview.​