Study: UK ‘Foodie’ Growth Fuels Boom in Independent Food Stores

11 Aug 2014 --- New research shows that independent businesses in the UK have been cashing in on Britons’ growing interest in food – particularly in the areas of natural, healthy, regional and quality produce.

The study, by insurance firm Simply Business, shows that there are now 27% more independent food stores than 12 months ago, with bakeries and fishmongers topping the list of new businesses.

The firm believes the rise in numbers can be attributed to the backlash against issues such as the ‘Horsegate’ scandal, where consumers started turning away from supermarkets. Certainly Tesco and Morrisons in particular have been struggling to stem the decline of customer numbers this year. 

The study, which covered more than 40,000 British independent retailers, discovered there has been a 31% rise in the number of bakeries, 28% for fishmongers and 10% in wine merchants. There has also been a 65% rise in independent supermarkets (including small delis and grocers).

London has recorded the largest growth in food businesses at 20%.

Jason Stockwood, CEO of Simply Business, says: 'While we can see a national increase of small businesses making the most of the "foodie" revolution, it's clear that London has seen the more concentrated side of this growth spurt as they positively emerge from our economy's downturn faster than other regions.'