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: 2019 Food & Drink Business Confidence Report
FDF is working to ensure that our members' views are continually shared with
government and
other stakeholders.
In this short video, we highlight the key results from FDF's 2019 surveys,
outlining how net
confidence has evolved, key impacts on the sector and opportunities and risks
for 2020.
Key Findings
- The latest FDF Business Confidence survey shows that the proportion of businesses whose confidence has improved is up by 12 percentage
points since Q3 2019.
- Nonetheless, those whose confidence has deteriorated continues to outweigh those
who are
optimistic
- Key concerns for businesses going into 2020 include the cost of ingredients, inconsistent policies on plastic reduction, and
border/customs issues – all of which were highlighted by over
two thirds of manufacturers.
- On a more positive note, 63% see increased
domestic demand as an opportunity for success this year, and
over 40% are
looking forward to increased certainty over the future EU relationship as well
as increased demand
for healthy foods.
- GVA, exports and investment all saw a
decline between Q1 and Q3 last year, while wages continued
to increase,
alongside food and soft drink inflation. Despite poor GVA performance, food and
drink continues to
exceed GVA growth of the overall manufacturing sector.
For more on how you can have your say in our quarterly business confidence
surveys, please
contact Sarah Malone.
Download full results
2019 Food & Drink Business Confidence Report
Previous reports
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: 17 Mar 2019