The ONS has released its latest monthly GDP estimate , raising concerns of a recession over 2022. UK economic output fell by -0.1% over March, down from 0.1% in February. The UK economy is now 1.2% larger than its pre-pandemic level. The leading contributor to growth in March was the construction sector, up 1.7%, boosted by rises in repair and maintenance activities and new work. ...

The Queen’s Speech given in Parliament on 10th May sets out the Government’s legislative agenda for the parliamentary year. It lists several new government bills to support economic growth to deal with the cost-of-living crisis, tackle crime and fund the NHS. A detailed briefing note is available. Several of the planned bills have potential to impact UK food and grocery businesses, inc...

This Learning at Work Week, IGD CEO Susan Barratt shares why having the right mindset and carving out time for learning and personal development is essential for us all. We never stop learning. It doesn’t matter where you are in your career, from new starter to CEO, we should all be continuing to develop with time dedicated to learning. Having the right mindset is incredibly important. I...

IGD’s CEO, Susan Barratt, contributes to the BRC’s Retail Sales Monitor, providing insight on UK food and drink sales. Supported by holiday spending for Easter, at first glance food and drink sales performed well in April. However, with mis-matched dates for Easter, plus our emergence from the 2021 lockdown when grocery sales were unusually elevated, it’s difficult to draw firm conclusio...

Event review by Rhian Thomas, Head of Insight - Shopper and Eating Out, IGD The Arena Savoy Lecture returned last night for the first time in two years, attracting 150 guests back to the impressive Lancaster Ballroom, for an evening of insight-sharing, inspiration and networking with industry colleagues whilst enjoying first-class hospitality from the iconic Savoy. The evening began with ...

Your overview of economic and policy news with a focus on the food and consumer goods industry, featuring the latest developments and guidance on the Ukraine crisis, the rising cost of living, labour shortages, COVID-19 and adapting to a new relationship with the EU. Shopper confidence remains very low The mood of shoppers is bleak and IGD’s latest Shopper Confidence Index remains very ...

Nearly half of shoppers with children at home claim they are already aiming to save money day-to-day so they can spend as much as they normally would this Christmas, according to the latest shopper insights from IGD. While the Easter break was celebrated by many, the cost-of-living crisis means spending on such seasonal events is likely to be impacted this year. Indeed, many family househol...

The ONS has revealed that 87% of households reported an increase in their cost of living over late March. This was prior to the energy price cap being lifted by 54% on 01 April. The most commonly reported reasons behind the increased cost of living were increased pricing for food, energy and fuel. Record energy prices have left nearly a quarter of adults (23%) reporting th...

The UK government has elected to further delay implementation of the final changes affecting movement of goods from the EU to the UK, viz: ID and sanitary / phyto-sanitary (SPS) checks moved from destination to the border Requirement for safety and security declarations Requirement for health certificates Prohibitions and restrictions on import of chilled meats These c...

Your overview of economic and policy news with a focus on the food and consumer goods industry, featuring the latest developments and guidance on the Ukraine crisis, the rising cost of living, labour shortages, COVID-19 and adapting to a new relationship with the EU. Further delay to EU-GB import checks The Government has announced a further delay to scheduled import checks on the...