£5m lost every day as food rots in lorries

SCOTTISH produce worth £5million every day is being left to rot in lorries parked up as a result of France’s coronavirus freight ban on the UK.

Industry chiefs last night pleaded for the UK Government to provide compensation for Scottish seafood and shellfish firms.

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food and Drink, said: ‘We estimate there will be over £5million of Scottish food that would have been heading into France daily this week. As things stand, Scottish seafood exports will not reach Spanish and French markets in time for Christmas, which will compound the losses businesses have already suffered as a result of Covid this year.’

The salmon industry alone is estimated to export £1.1million of stock to Europe via Dover each day in the run-up to Christmas.

David Thomson, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation Scotland, said: ‘At the moment, what we’re most concerned about is food losing its freshness and losing its value.

‘Worst case is it is worth nothing because it is not fit for consumption.’

He said some firms will not be able to survive the cost of delays without compensation, adding: ‘There are several companies which would be a mortal risk, I’m sure.’

Nicola Sturgeon has called on the UK Government to activate No Deal Brexit port disruption plans in response to the crisis. She said: ‘We are closely engaged with the UK Government, pressing them to find an urgent solution and get the Channel ports open again. That is the overriding priority.’