United Kingdom: Food Processing Ingredients

  |   Attaché Report (GAIN)   |   UK2023-0008

The UK has a large, well-developed food processing industry, requiring a wide range of ingredients, from low-value, highly processed food to high-value, lightly processed ingredients. This provides many opportunities for U.S. exporters, including wellness and health products. Innovation and re-formulation drive new product development and demand for healthier ingredients. The UK is currently experiencing a cost-of-living crisis with food and drink prices increasing by almost 17 percent in 2022 and inflation at a 40 year high. Prices across all product categories have risen rapidly with inflation, resulting in increased prices, smaller pack sizes, and manufacturers sourcing cheaper ingredients. Current trends include innovation, sustainable packaging, food with health benefits, and plant-based products. The UK climate limits growing seasons and products that can be grown, resulting in the UK importing 42 percent of food products to meet consumer demand.

Related Reports

Chinese buyers are traveling back to the United States and showing strong interest in U.S. products. Since the reopening of China to travel, four delegations have participation in reverse trade missions to the United States with many others traveling...
Attaché Report (GAIN)

United Kingdom: UK Import Controls Update

The United Kingdom's Border Target Operating Model, its post-Brexit system of import controls on animals, animal products, plants, and plant products, is set to come into effect on exports from the EU on January 31, 2024, and from the rest of the...
South Africa’s sorghum imports are expected to be elevated over the next two marketing years on lower production coupled with lower stocks as production continues to decline. Sorghum production in South Africa dropped over the past two decades as...