Grocery Wholesaling in the UK - Industry Market Research Report

Eating into sales: Mounting cost pressures see people buying fewer groceries and trading down to cheaper products

Grocery wholesalers have faced challenging conditions over the past five years, with downward pricing pressures and wholesale bypass constraining revenue. They've also had to adapt to changing consumer trends (e.g. rising health consciousness) and buying patterns (especially during COVID-19) and cater to increasingly time-poor consumers. Over the five years through 2023-24, industry revenue is forecast to contract at a compound annual rate of 2.2% to £34.4 billion, including an expected dip of 0.1% in 2023-24 due to rising inflation limiting sales volumes.

Businesses in the Grocery Wholesaling industry wholesale a range of food products, including prepared meals, bread, dips and condiments, food spreads, savoury snacks, sandwich fillings, tinned goods and processed grain and cereal. The industry excludes the wholesale of fresh or frozen meat and fresh, frozen or processed vegetables. It also excludes the sale of beverages, dairy products, eggs, tobacco and confectionery.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.