Nigel Jenney: The Unyielding Voice of Britain's Fresh Produce Industry

As post-Brexit import rules continue to sow confusion and cost across the UK's fresh produce industry, one figure has remained unwavering in his efforts to defend the sector: Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC).

With more than two decades at the helm of the FPC, Jenney has become one of the most prominent and outspoken voices for the fresh produce supply chain. From tackling government policy missteps to warning of rising food inflation, he has consistently sounded the alarm over issues impacting growers, suppliers and retailers alike.

Jenney has been especially critical of the Government’s introduction of the ‘Common User Charge’—a flat-rate inspection fee on EU food imports arriving at UK border control posts. In an interview with FreshPlaza, he explained:

“If as a small business I import 100 consignments… I would be charged £14,500 for every 100 consignments I imported to the UK… It is just extortionate.”

He added: “From our point of view, this is hugely expensive. It is unaffordable. It will drive food inflation and ultimately this is a blatant tax on our industry by the UK government.”

These concerns follow a long line of policy delays and border control complications since the UK’s departure from the EU. Jenney has repeatedly highlighted how the lack of consistent government communication and planning has disrupted the sector.

Speaking to The Guardian earlier this year, he said: “They’ve created a strategy that is both incompetent and hugely expensive. This will drive up costs for our sector, which will ultimately be passed on to consumers already struggling with the rising cost of living.”

Jenney has also raised practical concerns about logistics. In an interview with Yorkshire Bylines, he outlined the operational strain on businesses caused by the timing and location of border checks:

“95% of all our consignments from Europe arrive in the evening and through the night to be delivered… so that we can enjoy that produce the next day.”

Through it all, Jenney has not simply criticised—he has offered alternatives, urging the Government to collaborate more closely with industry and use existing commercial infrastructure.

Jenney has become a familiar and trusted figure across national media, regularly appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, BBC News, Sky News, and other broadcast outlets.

Through these appearances, he has consistently delivered clear, authoritative commentary on the challenges facing the UK’s food supply chain.

Whether discussing labour shortages, post-Brexit trade disruption, or the rising cost of fresh produce, Jenney has used his platform to educate the public and hold policymakers to account—cementing his role as a leading advocate for safeguarding the nation’s access to affordable, high-quality fruit and vegetables.

With food prices rising and international confidence shaken, Jenney's leadership has proven critical.

While policymakers have yet to respond with sufficient urgency, the fresh produce sector can be assured of one constant: Nigel Jenney will continue to speak out—clearly, loudly, and with purpose on their behalf.