Business Confidence
The FDF Business Confidence Survey showcases the current economic views of members on a quarterly basis. Find out more about our most recent survey results below.
FDF's quarterly Business Confidence Survey, launched in early 2018, showcases
key
opportunities and risks perceived by food and drink manufacturing businesses
across the UK.
Our survey has been designed with businesses in mind, allowing members to share
their views
on economic conditions both in recent months and the coming year(s).
Through the survey, businesses have the opportunity to shape FDF's policy asks.
For instance,
results have been used to inform consultation submissions, budget submissions, and policy
recommendations to government.
Our Business Confidence reports are invaluable in promoting the economic
importance of the
industry via the media.
Latest report: Q3 2020 Food & Drink Business Confidence
FDF is continuously working to ensure that our members' views are continually
shared with
government and other stakeholders, and our business confidence surveys are a vital
part of this.
Key Findings
- The latest FDF Business Confidence survey shows that net business confidence
bounced
back in Q3, reaching 19.1% as lighter COVID-19 restrictions allowed food service
to reopen. This
followed record low confidence in Q2.
- Businesses continued to experience increased costs in Q3, from higher packaging
raw
material and packaging producer responsibility costs to ingredient and label
change expenses.
- Increased costs alongside fluctuations in the exchange rate and staff
absenteeism were key
factors leading to 40% reporting reduced product margins in Q3.
- Over a third saw increased output, cash flow and domestic retail sales in Q3.
- Businesses are relatively pessimistic about UK economic conditions in 2021, with
over half
expecting economic growth, exports and business confidence to decrease, while
over three-quarters
expect the unemployment rate and prices to rise.

Why get involved?
For more on how you can have your say in our quarterly business confidence
surveys, please
contact the Competitiveness Team.
Download full results
Q3 2020 Food & Drink Business Confidence Report
Previous reports
Download the Q2 2020 Confidence Report
Download the Q1 2020 Confidence Report
Download the 2019 Confidence Report
Download the Q3 2019 Confidence Report
Download the Q2 2019 Confidence Report
Download the Q1 2019 Confidence Report
Download the 2018 Confidence Report
Download the
Q3 2018 Confidence Report
Download the Q2
2018 Confidence Report
Download the Q1
2018 Confidence Report
Last reviewed: 10 Nov 2020