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Survey shows improved confidence in the food & drink sector
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has published its 2019 Business Confidence report, which reveals that while official data signalled weak investment and growth for food and drink manufacturing in the first three quarters of the year, the sector reported improved optimism in Q4.
The survey shows that net confidence in the industry has improved by 29 percentage points since Q1 2019, although it remains negative overall. Larger businesses are more optimistic than SMEs about the economy in the year ahead, and 47% of manufacturers foresee UK business investment rising in 2020.
63% see increased domestic demand as an opportunity for their business this year, and over 40% are looking forward to increased certainty over the UK’s future EU relationship.
FDF’s latest survey shows that net confidence in the food & drink industry has improved by 29 percentage points since Q1 2019 / Picture: Getty/iStock
Business confidence improved more in Q4 than in any other quarter of 2019. Manufacturers are also more optimistic about business conditions for the year ahead. In Q4 2019, 33% believed business confidence would rise in 2020, compared to just 2% in Q4 2018, who felt this way about the year ahead.
Planned investment in new product launches and new machinery are seen as opportunities for over a third of manufacturers in 2020. Other opportunities include the possibility of increased domestic demand, increased certainty over a future EU relationship and increased demand for healthy food products.
However, whilst the outlook seems to be more positive than in previous quarters, net confidence remains in negative territory as businesses continue to be impacted by increased input costs and reduced product margins.
Looking ahead to 2020, key concerns for businesses include the cost of ingredients, inconsistent policies on plastic reduction, and border and customs issues – all of which were highlighted by over two-thirds of manufacturers.
47% of manufacturers foresee UK business investment rising in 2020 / Picture: Getty/iStock
A wide range of practical factors relating to Brexit were also highlighted as barriers to success, including: UK import tariff uncertainty, and the possibility of failing to secure a free preferential trade agreement with the EU, all of which were reported by over 50% of manufacturers.
FDF chief executive, Ian Wright CBE, said: “It’s no surprise that the industry remains troubled following a period of sustained uncertainty, with our future relationship with the EU still unresolved. But our industry is phenomenally resilient.
“FDF is absolutely committed to working with Government and the devolved administrations to develop detailed plans and practical solutions for our vital industry as we leave the EU. It is essential that we minimise friction in whatever way possible, while maintaining high standards for UK food and drink.”