Fresh and local food market in the UK - statistics & facts

The local food movement is focused on consuming products that were grown or produced within a short distance from where they are being sold. Local food offers an alternative to globally produced food that is shipped long distances. The revenue of local shops in the UK has fluctuated in recent years. Revenue reached a high of around 3.07 billion British pounds in 2020, but has since dipped to around 2.6 billion British pounds. However, the share of domestic food consumed in the UK has been on the rise and reached a new high in 2021 and 2022. Some 58 percent of all food consumed had a UK origin in both years. Local shops will likely continue to reap benefits from increased domestic consumption.

Opinions on local produce

Compared to some of their European neighbors, purchasing food produced in their own country was not of very high importance for survey respondents from Great Britain in 2022. Some 54 percent of respondents from Great Britain preferred purchasing local produce. Italians were the most likely to prefer purchasing local foods. However, over 60 percent of respondents during a recent survey had either a very or somewhat positive opinion of British agriculture. Additionally, farmers ranked highly amongst UK consumers when they were asked which food channels they trusted, suggesting that shoppers have more trust in locally produced foods.

Fresh food in the UK

The overall food market in the UK has experienced some turmoil in recent years; product shortages and soaring prices have become the norm. Fresh food has also been impacted; the consumer price index (CPI) of fruit in the UK reached a high of 132.2 points in November 2023. The CPI of vegetables also reached new highs in recent months. In response to rising prices, purchasing habits are changing among UK shoppers. Almost one-third of consumers recently stated that they are purchasing less fresh fruit and vegetables as a result on inflation.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Emma Bedford, Feb 19, 2024

Key insights

Market value of grocery retail in the UK
211.9bn GBP
Percent of food produced locally in the UK
58%
Sales revenue of local shops in the UK
2.58mGBP
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Market value of grocery retail in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2004 to 2027 (in billion GBP)

Food & Beverage

Grocery market value in the United Kingdom (UK) 2004-2027

Groceries & beverages purchased online by category in the UK as of December 2023

Food & Nutrition

Groceries & beverages purchased online by category in the UK 2023

Origin distribution of foods consumed in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2022, by region

Food & Beverage

Origin of foods consumed in the United Kingdom (UK) 2022, by region

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