Home / Business and Economy / UK Food Sector Confidence Hits Record Low
UK Food Sector Confidence Hits Record Low
28 May
Summary
- Food manufacturing confidence has fallen to its lowest since 2022.
- Confidence score reached -64 in the first quarter of 2026.
- This level matches that seen at the start of the COVID pandemic.
Business confidence within the UK's food manufacturing sector has fallen dramatically, reaching its lowest level since the energy crisis of 2022. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), representing over 12,000 food and drink manufacturers, reported that confidence dropped to -64 in the first quarter of 2026.
This score is comparable to the low points experienced at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and signifies a substantial impact from the ongoing global situation. The decline underscores the challenges faced by British food and drink producers.
This report, the FDF's latest State of Industry update, details the worrying trend. The previous confidence score stood at -31%, indicating a steep deterioration.
The ongoing conflict in Iran is cited as a significant factor contributing to this downturn. The war's impact is increasingly being felt across various sectors, including food manufacturing.
The FDF's findings paint a concerning picture for an industry vital to the UK economy. Further details are available in the latest State of Industry report.
