Our Industry

The food and grocery industry has a significant economic and social impact in the UK. Below are some key facts in relation to our industry:

• The UK food industry provides over 3.6 million jobs. This equates to 14% of all UK employment.
• Consumers can now obtain food and drink from 361,000 dedicated outlets in the UK (99,000 shops and 262,000 foodservice locations).
• In 2009 food and drink accounted for 15% of then UK’s manufacturing output, making it the largest manufacturing sector.
• UK food exports are worth £14 billion pounds annually, accounting for 6% of UK goods exported.
• More than three-quarters of the UK’s land area is in agricultural production.
• UK farming productivity improved by 20% over the last 10 years.
• Voluntary action by the food industry has been responsible for the drop in average consumer intakes of trans fats by more than half.
• There is now zero growth in grocery packaging, despite a growth in population and rising sales.
• By working together, the industry has taken 124 million HGV miles off UK roads.