United Kingdom: Food Processing Ingredients

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.