Browse Data and Analysis

In 2024, the food-to-go sector in the United Kingdom has emerged as a significant driver of growth within the broader foodservice industry, responding to changing consumer preferences for convenience and quick meal options. Demand for takeaway and on...

Five months into MY2024/25 the situation and outlook for the UK grain sector is starting to become clearer. Significant wheat opening stocks have partly offset concern surrounding the second smallest wheat harvest since MY1999/2000, but even the current momentum in imports means the wheat balance is looking tight.

Singapore’s hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector is vibrant, dynamic and highly competitive with sales totaling $9.4 billion USD in 2023. Consumption patterns are mainly driven by convenience, technology, and changing demographics, health and international food trends with a focus on sustainability and influences by social media (Facebook and Instagram).

The United Kingdom (UK) is the largest consumer of wood pellets, globally. UK wood pellet regulations have not significantly diverged from the European Union (EU) following Brexit.

The United Kingdom is still facing a cost-of-living crisis. In October 2024, businesses and consumer confidence indexes dropped to the lowest level this year as uncertainty looms with regards to the newly elected Labour administration and what they may announce in the October 30 government budget.

Singapore does not have any domestic commercial production of plant biotechnology. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) website lists 108 genetically engineered (GE) crops approved for use as food for direct consumption, ingredients, and further processing into ingredients for other food in the country.

Following the departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) in 2021 there was optimism that the UK would adopt a more scientific and proportionate approach to the regulation of genetically engineered (GE) and genetic technology products.

On September 30, the United Kingdom confirmed it will not proceed with the previous Government’s plan to introduce mandatory ‘Not for EU’ labelling in Great Britain (GB).

The retail food sector is highly competitive in Singapore with no single country holding over 16 percent of the consumer-oriented products market share. Singapore’s economy is beginning to slow due to cost-of-living, inflation, and supply chain challenges.

The UK food and drink industry has faced multiple challenges in recent years, including COVID-19, cost-of-living, and adverse weather conditions. Wet weather in the UK has resulted in a significant decrease in harvests, particularly for crops like wheat, barley, and oilseed rape.

Singapore’s economy has rebounded post COVID-19 pandemic. The city-state is heavily reliant on imports of food and energy, the food and beverage industry are largely driven by international tourism and consumer spending.

Between February and May 2024, FAS London conducted an extensive survey of UK national food retailers, discount grocery retailers, department store food halls, and independent specialty stores to assess the availability of U.S. food and drink products.