Exporting Natural Products to the United Kingdom
The UK is Europe's largest dried fruit consumer and the third-largest importer from developing countries. Since Brexit it runs its own tariff regime, with a UK–Türkiye free trade agreement preserving preferential access. Arovela supports British importers, bakery and confectionery manufacturers and private-label brands with compliant, traceable supply.
UK Market Overview
In 2024 the UK imported around 3 million tonnes of processed fruit, vegetables and nuts worth €6 billion, and Türkiye exported $286.7 million of edible fruit and nuts to the country. Between 60% and 70% of the UK's organic raw inputs are sourced abroad, mainly from the EU, Türkiye and West Africa, which makes Turkish suppliers structurally important to British brands. Demand clusters around dried apricots, figs and sultanas, hazelnuts for bakery and confectionery, olive oil and table olives, Turkish delight, halva and baklava, pulses and bulgur, and oregano. Healthy snacking, no-added-sugar and private-label sourcing are the fastest-growing themes.
Key Product Categories
Logistics & Shipping
Required Certifications
UK Regulatory Framework
After Brexit the UK applies assimilated (retained) EU food law, including the labeling rules of Regulation 1169/2011, enforced by the Food Standards Agency, alongside its own border control regime for imports from third countries.
Türkiye–UK Trade Advantages
UK–Türkiye Free Trade Agreement
The 2021 agreement replicated the preferential terms Turkish goods enjoyed while the UK was an EU member, so Turkish origin goods keep their duty advantage with an origin declaration or EUR.1.
Europe's Largest Dried Fruit Market
British retail and manufacturing buy more dried fruit than any other European market, with Türkiye as the established origin for apricots, figs and sultanas.
Private Label Demand
UK grocers and challenger brands source heavily under their own labels; Arovela offers turnkey private label production with UK-compliant packaging and labeling.
Direct Container Services
Regular sailings from Istanbul and Mersin reach Felixstowe and London Gateway in 10–14 days; road freight via the Channel is available in 5–7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions — UK Export
Did Brexit remove the tariff advantage for Turkish products?
No. The UK–Türkiye free trade agreement, in force since 2021, preserved preferential treatment for goods of Turkish origin. An origin declaration or EUR.1 movement certificate is required to claim the preference.
Which food law applies in the UK now?
The UK applies assimilated EU food law, including the labeling requirements of Regulation 1169/2011 and contaminant limits for dried fruit, enforced by the Food Standards Agency. Labels must be in English with UK-format address details for the food business operator.
What are the main Turkish products sold in the UK?
Dried apricots, figs and sultanas, hazelnuts for bakery and confectionery, olive oil and olives, Turkish delight and halva, pulses and bulgur, and oregano. Turkish edible fruit and nut exports to the UK reached $286.7 million in 2024.
Can Arovela supply private-label products for UK retailers?
Yes. We offer turnkey private-label production for dried fruit, snacks, tea and confectionery lines, with UK-compliant labeling and per-batch CoA. Share your specification and target volumes for a tailored quote.
Start Exporting to the UK
Request a quote with UK-compliant labeling, origin documentation under the UK–Türkiye FTA, and delivery to Felixstowe, London Gateway or your warehouse.