Retail value over volume growth but there are bright spots in consumer demand
Retail current value sales of staple foods in the UK are projected to see good growth over 2025, albeit significantly inflation-driven, rather than the result of a healthy increase in consumer demand. The performance of staple foods has been shaped by persistent cost-of-living pressures, with many households continuing to prioritise affordability in their food choices. This trend is especially pronounced in categories like rice, pasta and noodles, where price stability following previous raw material price volatility encouraged consumers to return to these versatile staples. Rice is valued for its adaptability and cost-effectiveness, while chilled pasta and noodles have benefited from a renewed interest in premium convenience formats that replicate restaurant experiences at home.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Staple Foods industry in United Kingdom with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Staple Foods industry in United Kingdom, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Staple Foods in United Kingdom report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Staple Foods in United Kingdom?
- Which are the leading brands in Staple Foods in United Kingdom?
- How are products distributed in Staple Foods in United Kingdom?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Staple Foods?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in United Kingdom?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Staple Foods in the United Kingdom
Retail value over volume growth but there are bright spots in consumer demand
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Affordability drives shoppers
Convenience continues to win over consumers
International flavours abound as consumers seek authenticity
Healthier food trend to drive significant change across categories
Players still need to convince consumers to choose ultra-processed foods
Sustainability as a growth driver and differentiator
Tesco balances quality with affordability to lead the field
Private label and newer branded players continue to gain traction in staple foods
Hypermarkets lead but the competition intensifies
E-commerce continues to gain strategic importance
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
Baked Goods in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Retail current value sales grow yet inflationary pressures continue to challenge retail volume sales
Shift to higher-quality, convenient and authentic products
Pastries capitalise on indulgence and convenience trends
Baked goods to benefit as premiumisation and convenience aspects drive consumer demand
Health-focused innovation drives reformulation and portion-controlled launches
Premium formats to gain popularity as consumers seek restaurant-style experiences at home
By balancing affordability with premiumisation, Tesco successfully caters to a wide spectrum of shopper preferences
Geary’s Bakeries invests strongly to see dynamic growth
Hypermarkets retains leadership amidst growing challenges
Rapid development of e-commerce in baked goods distribution
Breakfast Cereals in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Retail value sales rise but category pressures persist
Hot cereals offer a combination of health and convenience aspects
RTE cereals face headwinds over unhealthy content
More health-focused brands to enter the fray
Players to target the demand for protein and gut health products
Upcoming HFSS restrictions are driving healthier recipe development
Leading players are ceding ground to value for money offerings
Premium health focus boosts Flahavan & Sons’s performance
Hypermarkets cater successfully to consumers’ needs
Schemes, models and consumer lifestyles drive e-commerce onwards
Processed Fruit and Vegetables in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
The category sustains growth as the demand for convenience persists
Consumers appreciate the content, convenience and value of frozen processed potatoes
The home cooking trend and popularity of Italian cuisine boost the use of shelf stable tomatoes
Need for convenient and nutritional meal options to sustain growth trajectory
Innovation to shift to premium and convenient options
Rising demand for bold and global flavours to stimulate innovation
McCain Foods (GB) leverages innovation and responds to consumer lifestyle needs and sustainability to top the rankings
Focus on quality and authenticity underpins Mutti’s strong growth performance
Retail offline formats continue to develop to maintain distribution dominance
E-commerce gains as online platforms answer consumer needs
Processed Meat, Seafood and Alternatives To Meat in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
The category records retail current value sales gains amidst demand headwinds
Chicken enjoys high popularity while shelf stable and frozen processed seafood grow demand
Tofu and derivatives respond to the consumer call for nutritious, plant-based options
Category outlook indicates a mixed performance as UPFs concerns rise
Desire for convenient, restaurant-style dishes can help to sustain demand
Meat and seafood substitutes need to overcome concerns over taste, affordability and nutritional benefits
Private label to continue to dominate by combining value for money with strong commitments to provenance and welfare
Innovation spurs Better Nature’s fast growth performance
Large modern grocery retailers dominate with strong and developing assortments
Omnichannel retailing gains pace
Rice, Pasta and Noodles in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Price stability boosts the demand for rice, pasta and noodles
Demand for cost-effective, filling food maintains rice’s leadership
Chilled noodles enjoy rising popularity as quick restaurant-style meals
The demand for premium offerings is set to bolster retail value sales
Global flavours drive adventure and dynamism
Players to innovate healthier formulations to meet the demand for premium staple foods
Unilever Foods expands its portfolio to offer bold, flavoursome instant noodles
Tat Hui Foods invests in products, marketing and distribution to drive fast growth
Major grocery retailers develop and expand their portfolios to lure consumers
E-commerce gains by offering convenience and access to premium products
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Staple Foods
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- Packaged Flat Bread
- Unpackaged Flat Bread
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- Packaged Leavened Bread
- Unpackaged Leavened Bread
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- Packaged Cakes
- Unpackaged Cakes
- Dessert Mixes
- Frozen Baked Goods
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- Packaged Pastries
- Unpackaged Pastries
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- Sweet Pies and Tarts
- Frozen Cakes, Sweet Pies and Tarts
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- Hot Cereals
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- Children's Breakfast Cereals
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- Flakes
- Muesli and Granola
- Other RTE Cereals
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- Shelf Stable Beans
- Shelf Stable Fruit
- Shelf Stable Tomatoes
- Shelf Stable Vegetables
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- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Processed Potatoes
- Frozen Processed Vegetables
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- Shelf Stable Processed Red Meat
- Shelf Stable Processed Poultry
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- Chilled Processed Red Meat
- Chilled Processed Poultry
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- Frozen Processed Red Meat
- Frozen Processed Poultry
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- Shelf Stable Seafood
- Chilled Processed Seafood
- Frozen Processed Seafood
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- Chilled Meat and Seafood Substitutes
- Frozen Meat and Seafood Substitutes
- Shelf Stable Meat and Seafood Substitutes
- Tofu and Derivatives
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- Chilled Noodles
- Frozen Noodles
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- Instant Noodle Cups
- Instant Noodle Pouches
- Plain Noodles
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- Chilled Pasta
- Dried Pasta
- Rice
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Staple Foods
NOTE: Couscous, polenta and quinoa are excluded from staple foods.
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This report originates from Passport, our Staple Foods research and analysis database.
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