Eight out of every ten UK shoppers is open to choosing food and drink from Ireland, higher than any other country of origin outside the UK, a new survey has found.
But the research, carried out on behalf of Bord Bia, also found that two in every three UK shoppers is concerned that the current Brexit situation will have a negative effect on the cost of the food and drink they buy for their households.
Half are also worried about the future quality and availability of the food and drink they purchase, the study found.
While seven out of every 10 shoppers is concerned about the UK economic outlook and worry about the cost of living and their own personal finances.
Ireland is considered an ally and a friend by two out of every three UK shoppers, the poll established.
While as a food producing nation, Ireland enjoys the highest level of trust of any EU country, the survey findings established.
The data, gathered last month, was revealed as Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture began their first ever virtual trade mission to Great Britain.
The two-day event aims to safeguard UK food exports from Ireland in the face of the triple challenges of Brexit, Covid-19 and declining confidence among consumers.
The trade mission will see high level meetings taking place with key UK retailers and food service suppliers.
Last year the UK accounted for a third of total exports from Ireland worth €4.5bn, making it the number one destination for Irish food and drink.
But this year, the value of these exports to the UK has fallen due to the Covid-19 challenges, with levels falling 6% between January and August.
The survey also found high levels of loyalty to Irish food, with 72% of UK beef shopper said they would miss Irish beef if there was a significant increase in price or limitation on availability.
65% said they would miss Irish butter and 73% said they would miss Irish cheddar cheese.
