There is a growing focus on healthy lifestyle habits in the UK which is impacting demand for health and wellness food and beverages. Concerned about the impact of consuming ultra-processed food and beverages on long-term health outcomes, consumers are increasingly looking to reduce their intake of products that use artificial ingredients as well as products that have long ingredient lists and which are high in saturated fat, salt, or sugar.

Jeans in the UK exhibited a polarised trend in 2025, with growth at both ends of the price spectrum. Economy jeans remained the largest segment, driven by budget-conscious shoppers, while super premium jeans also recorded solid value growth, supported by discerning consumers embracing premium denim. The category is also focused on sustainability, style innovation, and enhanced shopping experiences.

Apparel accessories in the UK reached GBP1.3 billion, growing by 1% amidst significant polarisation. Economic pressures led many consumers to seek affordable, versatile items from mass retailers, viewing them as “affordable indulgences”. Conversely, a distinct segment, particularly younger demographics like Generation Z, prioritised premium, sustainably produced, and inclusive designs, valuing ethical sourcing and individuality. Generation Z's influence, amplified by social media, drives demand

Hosiery in the UK was characterised by polarisation in 2025, with consumers seeking affordable, practical products and others willing to invest in premium or differentiated products. The local market was impacted by macroeconomic conditions, including persistent inflationary pressures and cautious wage growth, which constrained household budgets. Despite a decline in retail volume for non-sheer hosiery, the latter continued to dominate demand. The employed female population in the UK reached 16.

Menswear in the UK is characterised by a polarised spending pattern, with consumers increasingly concentrated at the extremes of value and premium offerings. In 2025, retail volume sales of menswear marginally declined, driven by macroeconomic pressures, including persistent inflation and sluggish wage growth. The category is expected to record slow growth rates over the forecast period, driven by a combination of price increases and selective consumer spending on premium products. Brands that p

Apparel and footwear in the UK experienced a challenging 2025 due to macroeconomic pressures, yet recorded 2% value growth. The market is characterised by polarisation, with consumers increasingly concentrated at the value and premium ends of the spectrum. Low growth rates are expected over the forecast period. To succeed, brands must adapt to changing consumer expectations, leveraging technological integration and sustainability. The rise of resale platforms and omnichannel strategies will be c

Sportswear in the UK is characterised by visible polarisation, with growth pooling at the top and bottom ends while the squeezed middle struggles. Premium lifestyle and performance brands like lululemon are expanding their presence, while value-driven players such as Decathlon are gaining ground with competitive prices. The success of national teams, particularly the Lionesses, has driven demand for replica kits and women's sportswear ranges. Retail e-commerce continues to lead sportswear distri

Womenswear in the UK is characterised by significant trends that are shaping its future. In 2025, the category witnessed a rise in challenger brands, polarised consumer spending, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and technological integration. Despite a low decline in retail volume sales, womenswear experienced growth in retail value sales, driven by premium products and affordable essentials. Slow growth is expected in the future, with a current value CAGR of 2% over the forecast period.

Childrenswear in the UK is characterised by polarisation, with value and premium players thriving while mid-market brands face pressure. Demand is driven by parents seeking affordable and practical clothing, as well as affluent consumers investing in higher-quality, fashionable, or sustainable pieces. The median disposable income per household rose to GBP49,760 in 2025, supporting the premium segment. The resale and rental market is expanding rapidly, driven by sustainability awareness and the h

Footwear in the UK was characterised by a polarised consumer landscape in 2025, with retail value sales totalling GBP10.7 billion, representing 3% growth. The category is expected to continue growing, driven by technological integration and a focus on sustainability and ESG, with retail sales forecast to increase at a current value CAGR of 2% to GBP11.6 billion by 2030. Brands that can offer affordable utility or purposeful luxury are best placed to succeed in this environment. The market's attr

When it comes to hot drinks consumers are increasingly looking for natural products with functional claims such as supporting sleep or relaxation. HFSS regulation has pushed more consumers towards making healthier choices, with this also pushing manufacturers to reformulate their product lines to reduce the sugar and calorie content. The growing wellness movement is also encouraging more consumers to moderate their caffeine intake.

There has been a growing focus in the media on the harmful impact of consuming too much sugar and ultra-processed foods, which is influencing consumption behaviour within soft drinks. However, consumers are not just looking for soft drinks that are low sugar, they are also looking for fortified products with added claims, such as good source of vitamins, immunity support, and even beauty from within. Consumers are also increasingly looking for natural soft drinks, with these perceived to be heal

HFSS regulations continued to have a big impact on the UK’s snacks market in 2024 with manufacturers under pressure to reformulate their non-complaint product lines. Consumers are also becoming more conscious of the wider impact of ultra-processed foods on their long-term health which is encouraging them to make healthier choices. Consumers are also making more ethical choices, which is fuelling demand for vegan, vegetarian and plant-based snacks, with players responding to these demands with an

Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of what they put into their bodies and there has been growing scepticism of better-for-you claims within the dairy products and alternatives market. This resulted in some consumers shifting from products with low fat claims to full fat products with natural and organic claims towards the end of the review period, with the latter seen to be less processed and thus healthier. In contrast, interest in fortified dairy products and alternatives grew with

Consumers in the UK are increasingly looking to make healthier food choices with this being reflected in the growing demand for health and wellness cooking ingredients and meals. HFSS (high in fat, sugar, or salt) regulations have helped to raise awareness of the importance of following a healthier diet, with players reformulating their product ranges to make them compliant. Vegan and vegetarian products remain in high demand with consumers increasingly looking to make choices that are not only

Consumers in the UK are paying more attention to what they eat with this being linked to the rollout of the government’s HFSS (high fat, sugar, or salt) regulations and media articles highlighting the health implications of consuming ultra-processed foods. Alongside health concerns, consumers are also making more ethical choices, with greater consideration being paid to the environment and animal welfare, which is fuelling demand for vegan and vegetarian staple foods.

Fresh food sales in the UK continued to growth in total volume terms in 2025 despite rising prices and ongoing economic pressures, alongside disruptions to the supply chain. While value remained a key concern, sales were also influenced by the growing focus on healthy eating and sustainability. Grocery retailers continued to play a key role in the sale and promotion of fresh foods, with expanded offerings of locally-grown produce and private label lines winning over consumers.

Mixed results seen within fruits in 2025 although overall sales saw moderate growth in retail volume terms. Fruits with strong and stable supplies and a healthy image, such as strawberries and cranberries/blueberries, saw the strongest gains. However, some other fruits, such as citrus fruits, were impacted by supply shortages which impacted volume sales. Moving forward players are expected to invest in innovative branding and marketing to drive interest in UK fruits, with a focus on health, tast

Price stability helps to boost sales of starchy roots in 2025. Potatoes remained the core focus of the category with this highly versatile product benefiting from the increasing focus on home cooking. Nonetheless, despite delivering growth in 2025, potatoes remain highly susceptible to climate change and other growing challenges. Producers are focusing on developing more stable and sustainable production techniques to ensure a steady supply of potatoes is maintained.

Sales of nuts remained on a steady growth path in 2025 backed by their healthy and nutritious image and more stable prices. Exemption from the government’s HFSS legislation has given the category an advantage, while growing awareness of the health benefits of consuming nuts is also benefiting sales. The combination of their affordability, healthy profile, and versatility should ensure that nuts continue to grow in popularity over the forecast period.

Prevailing economic uncertainty continued to encourage more consumers to cook at home during 2025 which helped to drive sales of vegetables. Healthy eating campaigns have also encouraged consumers to purchase and consume more vegetables. Despite this positivity, climate change is impacting the supply of locally-grown and imported vegetables which is an issue that will need to be addressed to avoid price volatility and to ensure food security for the UK market.

Mixed performances seen across meat in the UK in 2025. Price increases had a negative impact on demand for beef and lamb, which pushed some consumers to switch to processed alternatives. However, other consumers turned to poultry, which boosted sales in this category. Poultry also benefited from its healthy and convenient image. Moving forward the focus will be on securing supply chains and offering healthy, convenient and sustainable meat options.

Retail volume sales of fish and seafood continued to decline in 2025 due to rising prices and ongoing cost-of-living pressures within the UK. Supply challenges have continued to put pressure on prices at a time when many households have seen their budgets restricted. Despite this, consumers remain willing to pay more for more ethical and sustainable fish and seafood which has helped to support value growth. Moving forward it is likely that this will be an area in which producers lean into in ord

Pulses have grown in prominence as a healthy, affordable and sustainable ingredient for use in a wide and varied range of dishes. With many households facing financial pressures there has been a growing focus on ingredients that are both healthy and affordable, with beans being one of the big winners. Nonetheless, the market does still face competition from processed pulses which present a more convenient option. Over the forecast period, the focus will be on raising awareness of the benefits of