Insights & analysis

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Industry at a Glance
State of Industry Report
Trade Snapshot
Economic Insights

Industry insights & analysis at your fingertips

FDF publishes regular economic analysis and insights highlighting the strength of UK food and drink manufacturing and opportunities to drive growth and productivity improvements.

The industry at a glance

All publications

food production quality inspection in factory

Industry at a Glance

The food and drink industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, and forms part of a diverse and complex supply chain. Read on for an outline of key industry data, highlighting the economic impact of the sector and achievements across diet & health and environmental sustainability.

Facts & stats

Powering Communities Across the UK

The UK’s food and drink manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of our national economy and a vital part of communities across every region of the country. This report showcases the contribution of the sector to every region and nation of the UK, pulling together statistics and case studies which demonstrate the industry’s impact.

Regional Report

State of Industry report

State of Industry report: Q4 2025

Business confidence remained downcast at -31% over food manufacturers’ crucial Christmas trading period in Q4, making only a partial recovery from –60% in Q3. However, half of small businesses reported that conditions worsened over the period.

Despite this, the sector’s smaller businesses continue to show a healthy appetite for growth. FDF is urging government to not overlook their potential, by calling to see real action on its blueprint for growth.

Read the report

Trade Snapshot

Trade Snapshot H1 2025

Our H1 2025 trade snapshot shows an uplift in food trade, with export volumes up 7.2% in the first half of 2025, compared with 2024, but exports remain over a tenth (13%) below 2023 levels.

Read the report