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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: Q2 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 reached a record low in Q2, at –65.2%.
• Key concerns for 2020 include: lack of demand from the hospitality sector, failing to secure a preferential trade agreement with the EU, and UK import tariff uncertainty. All of these were reported by over 65% of members.
• GVA, exports, and net confidence all declined in Q2, while inflation and wages increased. Lockdown measures resulted in reduced demand and cash flow issues for many food and drink businesses supplying the hospitality and out-of-home sectors.

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

Q2 2020 Food & Drink Business Confidence Report

Previous reports

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