New UK Seafood Industry Alliance
3 October 2016
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the Provision Trade Federation (PTF), with the strong support of their seafood members, are pleased to announce that they have agreed to come together to create The UK Seafood Industry Alliance.
Coinciding with the June Referendum vote to leave the EU, UK seafood processors and traders have agreed to unite in a new Alliance to represent the industry's interests and campaign for the best possible future arrangements with the EU and other trading partners.
The aim is to provide a broadly based, clear and compelling new voice at national, EU and international level to meet the full range of challenges in providing consumers with secure, affordable, nutritious and sustainable fishery products at a time of unprecedented uncertainty and change. In particular, we need to secure long term growth through improved access to the raw materials we need and to ensure that we attract the necessary investment and skills to boost productivity in supplying food that plays a key role in the health of the nation.
The Alliance will have a membership structure which allows Seafood members of either FDF or PTF to be part of the Alliance and other seafood companies will be able to join by becoming members of either organisation, on their respective normal membership terms.
The secretariat will be based at PTF in Clerkenwell, London, who will be responsible for day to day operation. The Alliance will take over the FDF's existing membership of AIPCE-CEP (the European fish processors and traders association) and lead on behalf of the industry in discussions with Government and others on Brexit policy-making. It will also work closely with Seafish and other organisations across the wider fisheries agenda.
The Alliance chair will be elected from the membership. Andrew Kuyk CBE will lead policy formation, drawing on his extensive EU negotiating experience as a former UK civil servant and his work with the FDF Seafood Group prior to taking up his current role as Director General at PTF.
Ian Wright CBE, FDF Director General said: “In the post Brexit environment I believe this kind of close collaboration between Trade Associations will become a new normal if we are to represent members effectively”.
Andrew Kuyk CBE, PTF Director General said: “Whatever the UK's new relationship with the EU, maintaining the sustainability, integrity and viability of our seafood industry will be a paramount challenge. We will only succeed by working together in the common interest. Our new Alliance sends a powerful signal of intent. I am grateful for the support and trust of those who have promoted this initiative”.
