The Future of Food Chains

CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD

UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT FOOD CHAIN IN THE UK

THE COST OF FOOD

The average UK diet, while in many ways similar to diets in other western advanced economies, consists of a high average calorie intake of approximately 3,400 daily calories per capita, and despite recent increases requires a relatively low food spend when expressed as a percentage of total expenditure. networks and advances in food production. In addition to dietary preferences allowing for a relatively low cost of food, the UK has benefitted from strong international trade relations, streamlined supply chains, and the buying power of its retail network, which over time has seen the cost of food in the UK reach relatively low levels. The low relative cost of food is due to supermarket competition, robust trade

OUTLOOK

The current inflationary environment, sustained population growth, and continued environmental pressures, mean that food prices are likely to outpace real income growth, resulting in a greater share of total expenditure on food.