The Future of Food Chains

CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD

Since 2008, the food chain has accounted for 76 million sq ft of prime industrial and logistics space (in units over 50,000 sq ft), averaging 5 million sq ft per annum.

This is just a portion of the market, with many units held in freehold or in long term occupation. Since 2007, the average lease term signed has been 14.5 years, with a number of 30+ year leases also signed in that time.

During 2022 alone, the sector accounted for 5 million sq ft. To put that figure into perspective, this is similar to the levels driven by e-commerce operators.

TOTAL FOOD TAKE-UP BY REGION (2008 ONWARDS)

25

20

15

10

MILLION SQ FT

5

0

YORKS & HUMBERSIDE LONDON

SOUTH WEST

SCOTLAND

WALES

NORTH EAST

SOUTH EAST & EAST

NORTH WEST

EAST MIDLANDS

WEST MIDLANDS

Source: Cushman & Wakefield