The UK Food and Drink Market Report

United Kingdom
The UK Food and Drink Market

Compiled by:

Hyatt Consulting

Wicklewood, Norfolk, UK, January 2009

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Foreword
“The UK Food and Drink Market” is a report commissioned by the Swiss Business Hub UK as part of
the continuous support of Swiss companies in their efforts to improve their export potential in a sector
which is particularly important for Swiss SMEs.
The report was researched and written by Hyatt Consulting. Hyatt Consulting is a UK based consulting business, specialising in the support for non-British companies intend on entering the UK market.
The company is owned and managed by Alan Highet who has extensive experience in the food sector. Since 2008 Alan Highet is a member of the Pool of Experts and has successfully worked for
other international trade promotion agencies (e.g. from Norway).
Hyatt Consulting offers a tailor made and personalised service. In the context of this report the Swiss
Business Hub UK encourages enquiries from Swiss SMEs who may be interested in making use of
this service.
For further information please contact Hyatt Consulting or any of the parties shown below.

Osec Business Network Switzerland
Stampfenbachstrasse 85
8035 Zürich
Switzerland
Tel:
+41 44 365 5151
Fax: +41 44 365 5221
Web: www.osec.ch / www.poolofexperts.ch
Email: info@osec.ch

Swiss Business Hub United Kingdom
c/o Embassy of Switzerland
16-18 Montagu Place
London W1H 2BQ
United Kingdom
Tel:
+44 20 7616 60 67
Fax: +44 20 7723 64 55
Web: www.eda.admin.ch/london
Email: sbhuk@lon.rep.admin.ch

The UK Food and Drinks Sector

Hyatt Consulting for Swiss Business Hub UK, January 2009

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Executive Summary
We live in the most challenging economic times in recent memory. Anyone reading this report
should recognise the pace of change and fluctuations in buyer behaviour that we are currently experiencing, and make allowances when reflecting upon what is largely a review of secondary data
that was collected many months ago. We refer, for example, to the UK Government’s most recent
Report on Food and Drink Purchases and Expenditure. It was published less than two months ago,
but it refers to 2007 data. So much has happened since.
That said, the purpose of this report is to provide an indication of opportunities for food producers in
Switzerland to develop profitable business in the UK. It is designed to inform companies that might
be considering entering the market for the first time, or who have made progress and now seek to
consolidate the gains they have made, by providing a basic understanding of the UK market’s size
and its structure.
Much has been written recently about the effects on food retailing of food price inflation, recession,
supermarket price competition, the growing popularity of discount food retailers, and consumers’ move generally towards cheaper options. In foodservice, the difficulties facing many businesses are
well documented with references to several pubs closing every day, for example, and restaurants
struggling. Interest rates may be at their lowest since the Bank of England was founded, but fuel and
energy costs for industry as well as consumers are still high. Yet the major supermarket chains have
reported better trading recently than stores in other sectors; and while this report was being finalised
two fast-food chains announced substantial expansion plans and job-creation. While some large
food businesses are re-structuring, we know small producers who are seeking new manufacturing
capacity.
The UK’s food market is recognised for being diverse, embracing many culinary cultures. Its variety
provides a huge choice for consumers; and while many now prefer to buy budget lines instead of
middle-positioned brands and the retailers’ own mid-priced options, markets do still exist for special
products representing a “reward” for economising elsewhere. The media might report trends to home-cooking; but still the UK is a nation that is “time-poor”, and comprising more, smaller families so
“convenience” continues to drive many purchases.
Market data varies depending on the source, but with £70bn “eat-at-home” expenditure and £79bn
foodservice (UK government figures), a population of 60m, around 90,000 retailers from hypermarkets to convenience stores, 260,000 catering establishments in 2006 including the “profit” and “cost”
sectors, and 14,000 wholesalers, the market is substantial.
Swiss food producers are already present in the UK, notably in the chocolate and confectionery sectors, and on the dairy counter; but the current market conditions mean that to achieve growth these
existing, and new, Swiss exporters need to demonstrate uniqueness that will attract consumers in the
first place, and a superior quality and flavour to bring them back for more, at prices that might not be
cheap but that represent excellent value. Retail and foodservice buyers, presented with such genuine competitive advantage, will be interested.
It is difficult – and hazardous – to generalise. Economic conditions in the UK, as elsewhere, are extremely difficult, but opportunities do exist for Swiss producers to explore. The outlook, for those with
the product quality and a competitive attitude, is not all gloomy.


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The body of this report considers the key issues facing prospective exporters to the UK before summarising the key product sectors, the retail and foodservice structure, and some pointers about addressing the opportunities. It draws not only on historical data but largely on the author’s experience
of what is a competitive and challenging, but also an exciting, market.



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Page
Executive Summary

3

Contents
1

Background and Key Issues
Background
Key Issues
Economic
Social
Commercial
Organic Production

6
6
7
8
8
9
9

2

Market Size

11

3

Key Sectors for Swiss Exporters
Chocolate and Sugar Confectionery
Dairy Products (notably Cheese)
Coffee
Biscuits
Health Foods
Soups, Sauces, Condiments
Canned Products
Meat Free
Soft Drinks
Drinks (Wine, Beer, Spirits)

12
12
13
13
14
14
15
15
15
16
16

4

Retail and Foodservice Structure
Retail Sector
Foodservice Sector

17
17
20

5

Strategy for Market Entry
In-Market Research
Product
Target Distribution
Price
Packaging and Promotion
Customer Management

21
22
23
23
24
25
26

6

Conclusion

27

Appendix – References


28


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1

Background and Key Issues

This section considers why the report was commissioned and its focus; and key issues affecting the
UK food market in general. [(n) indicates references in the Appendix].

Background
It is unlikely that anyone would challenge the view that we live in the most difficult economic times in
recent memory. This report concludes that opportunities do exist for new business development in
the UK food market, but conditions are extremely competitive. Consumers are cutting back their discretionary household expenditure, looking out for better value at cheaper prices; and suppliers have
to work harder to meet their commercial objectives.
Switzerland will be represented by a national pavilion at the international food exhibition IFE 2009
being held in London. With that in mind, and against the prevailing economic conditions, Swiss Business Hub UK commissioned Hyatt Consulting to review the UK Food and Drink Market, including
whether opportunities exist for Swiss exporters. General comments that refer to the food sector are
relevant also in the drinks sector.
Many hundreds of pages have been written about the UK food market. We are aware however that
most readers of this report are interested primarily in why they might consider the UK as a prospective market for profitable business development. For practical reasons therefore, we refer to the UK’s
broad food categories only very generally for context, and focus our attention instead on features of
the market that are interesting for those Swiss food categories that either have already demonstrated
export potential, or for which export markets generally represent a significant share of their total already.
Figures (1) for Swiss processed food, fresh meat and meat products in 2006 suggest around 14% of
the total value in that respect was exported. The main categories were:
Product Category

Chocolate
Confectionery
Dairy products
Coffee
Biscuits, similar products
Health foods, special foods
Soups, sauces, condiments
Fondue
Fresh meat, meat products
and “all other processed
foods” *
Total

Total
(CHFm)

Export
(CHFm)

% Exported

1,629
328
2,559
326
514
249
626
139
8,934*

742
212
179
165
126
116
112
60
384*

45.5
64.6
7.0
50.6
24.5
46.6
17.9
43.1
4.3*

%
Of Total Food Exports
35.4
10.1
8.5
7.9
6.0
5.5
5.3
2.9
18.3*

15,304

2,096

13.7

100

* CHF 8,934 includes CHF 4,277m fresh meat and meat products (CHF 34m exported) and CHF 4,657m “all
other processed foods”. CHF 350m (7.5%) of “all other processed foods” was exported, representing 18.3% of
the total CHF 2,096m exported. Source: Fédération des Industries Alimentaires Suisses (FIAL)


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More than half of Switzerland’s food exports comprise chocolate, confectionery and biscuits; dairy
products are the third biggest export category. These are Swiss product categories already present
in the UK. This report is not intended to measure Swiss presence in the UK, but we make the point
simply to demonstrate Swiss strengths with products that are familiar to UK consumers, and where
favourable awareness exists. Indeed, as Swiss products already in the UK tend to be respected as
high quality and “special”, we conclude that prospective new suppliers of these and other products
are likely to benefit from a positive association with that perception.
The breakdown of total Swiss food exports also highlights the importance of exports for other product
categories that are “familiar” products to UK consumers. Soups and sauces for example, and health
foods. “Other” foods (excluding meat and meat products) combine to represent nearly a fifth of food
exports; and we anticipate that while foods in this category might be less mainstream, their Swiss
origin will make them interesting to UK consumers.
The purpose, therefore, is to provide general information about the UK Food and Drink market that
can help Swiss producers consider the extent to which it represents an opportunity worth exploring
further.

Key Issues
It is difficult in a report based on secondary data, and in a market as diverse as the UK, to be definitive about opportunities. Suffice to say that they exist, even if they are more difficult to access in the
current economic climate; anyone considering this market should contact the Swiss Business Hub
UK for a more detailed assessment that can be focused to their particular product category and company objectives.
We summarise the key characteristics of the UK market, before addressing some fundamental considerations when establishing a market development plan.
[Caveat – UK data tends to focus separately on Food (including non-alcoholic beverages) and Alcoholic Beverages (wines, beers and spirits). Much of the information aggregates data across several
product categories, and data from various sources do not always agree, due to different parameters
employed in the various data collections. This report should be considered therefore as indicative of
the UK Food and Drink Market but not definitive, and any discrepancies in the data regarded in that
context. Also, while every effort has been made to access data in the public domain that is as current as possible, it is likely to have been gathered before the intensifying market conditions we are
now experiencing].
Key issues currently affecting the market for Food and Drink in the UK include economic issues generally; social issues including not only demographics but also lifestyle; and commercial issues. Another key issue, but one that is less significant in the current economic downturn, is the influence of
organic production.



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Economic Issues
The economic situation clearly is a major concern, and particularly for many consumers concerned
about their income and employment prospects. For example, a Confederation of British Industry
(CBI) survey in January 2009 reported in the UK media concluded that 38% of SMEs have reduced
their workforce in the last three months. Sterling’s weakness is another concern for companies exporting to the UK.
Recent news reports describe how the general economic downturn has led consumers to “trade
down” to economy brands and from the mainstream retailers to discounters whose market share has
increased. One supermarket chain responded by introducing a new “discounter brand” and was criticised by leading suppliers for referring in its advertising to cheaper alternatives to the top selling
brands. Another has recommended in the Grocer magazine (2) that its suppliers should focus on
“core value” instead of “pushing premiumisation”.
It is not a trend affecting everyone, however, and some premium product sales appear resilient as
the same consumers allow themselves “rewards” for economising. A superstore manager interviewed by the report’s author in December 2008 admitted his concern that he had been unable to
reduce orders for some seasonal products from China, only to find he sold out well before Christmas.
According to The Guild of Fine Food panel that reported in December 2008 (3), there is a mixed experience among its retail members, with some increasing turnover while others have flat or decreasing sales. One respondent commented that “the key is to find new products others don’t sell and that
aren’t in the supermarkets”.
Social Issues
According to data published by the Advertising Association in 2008 (4), there are around 22m households in the UK, and the trend is to smaller households with one- or two-person households representing 65% of the total in 2006 (compared with 63% in 2001). 10% of households in 2006 were
lone-parent (9% in 2001). 66% of “main shoppers” in supermarkets in 2006 were female, and 34%
male (67/33 in 2003).
UK Government figures report that unemployment is now increasing (6.1% in the three months to
November 2008, an annual increase of 0.9%). Job losses among large employers have a significant
local effect on spending, but employment levels in the UK are still historically high. Nearly 75% of the
working-age population was in full- or part-time employment during the same three months to November 2008, representing a very slight increase against 2007 (and compared with 73% in 2003,
when the UK’s employment ratio ranked 7th in the world).
The working week in the UK is generally recognised to be longer than in other European economies,
and this, along with growth in leisure activities and with the ratio of small households as well as more
men as “main shoppers” and other influences, has fuelled demand for food products that are “convenient”. Retailers have responded with ever-broadening ranges of chilled and frozen recipe dishes,
ready-to-eat dishes, sandwiches and salads (all produced predominantly in the UK), and other prepacked foods.



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As budget airline travel to Europe has grown in popularity, and long-haul holidays have become more
common, consumers now seek foods in the UK that they have sampled abroad, so that many of these recipe dishes reflect international cuisine.
Obesity is another social issue now influencing the UK food market, as the UK Government encourages consumers to reduce the amounts of salt and fat in their diets. Packaging of many foods now
carries a “traffic light” indicator of nutritional values.
Consumers’ awareness of animal welfare is increasingly an issue, due to campaigns by animal rights
activists supported by several celebrity chefs. An Institute of Grocery Distribution (5) survey in 2007
found that it influences the choice of 20% of its respondents. It is not an issue likely to affect many
Swiss exporters to the UK as virtually all meat products are for domestic consumption, but it is an
issue worth bearing in mind in cheese production, where favourable husbandry of the supplying
herds may be recognised as a differentiating feature of the process.
The distance food travels before reaching the supermarket shelves (food miles) has become another
issue among many consumers. Although a recent study suggests that country of origin (for fruit and
vegetables) is a low priority for most, all the major retailers now take food miles into account when
considering their supply policies. Distance from the UK per se does not mean that an overseas supplier will not be considered, but one that can demonstrate environmental awareness and a policy to
minimise its carbon footprint might be perceived as having a competitive advantage.
Commercial Issues
Successful exporters of food products into the UK need to demonstrate very high manufacturing
standards, usually equivalent at least to EFSIS (6) and British Retail Consortium (7) standards that
are more demanding than EU regulations. As standards in Switzerland are high, we do not anticipate major issues in that respect, but prospective suppliers do need to recognise the need to demonstrate independent accreditation of their procedures.
Imported foods need to be able to demonstrate high quality to succeed, as well as superior taste and
flavour and other elements of differential advantage to attract attention and compete with locally produced equivalent products.
Pricing is always an issue, and the market is very competitive even for the highest quality products.
Sterling’s present weakness is a disadvantage in this context but it affects all European suppliers; as
many premium overseas products are by their nature less vulnerable to price sensitivity, those that
demonstrate other competitive advantage will be protected to an extent by that. Having said that,
and in the context of Switzerland’s most common exports to the UK, there are many UK producers of
“continental-style” chocolate, confectionery and biscuits for example, whose pricing will be more
competitive than imports because of the exchange rate.
The major grocery retailers are all reviewing their operating costs and buyers are having to focus on
the immediate challenges that are about value before innovation.
Organic Production
Measurement of the UK organic foods market varies, depending on the information source. Keynote
(8) reported in 2008 that the UK organic foods and drinks market grew by 10.4% in value in 2007, but


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that it accounted for only 1.6% of total UK grocery sales. The UK’s lead organic accreditation body,
the Soil Association (9), having reported 22% growth in 2006 retail sales to £1.937bn, reported further 22% growth in 2007.
Current economic conditions are affecting the organic sector. The British Broadcasting Corporation
(BBC) reported in January 2009 that organic food sales in the last three months declined by 13%,
and trade reports (Grocer) suggest that farm shop sales (a significant segment of the organic market
for fruit and vegetables) are down 20% year-on-year as consumers switch to cheaper options. Producers of organic meat have requested a relaxation of “organic” standards to reduce their costs.
Keynote also notes that organically managed land peaked in 2002 and has fallen since then, and the
BBC has reported that while 66% of the UK’s demand is supplied by UK producers, only 1.6% of all
farms in the UK are organic. It is recognised that the market is characterised by a large number of
small producers and processors.
Unprocessed vegetables and fruit account for the largest segment of the organic food market. Along
with dairy products including milk, cheese and desserts, breakfast cereals, bread, flour and baked
products, meat and meat products and organic seafood, these categories combine to represent more
than 80% of the market.
Another feature of the market, but one that is not addressed in the reports consulted for this review,
is the extent to which consumers’ purchases of organic options in supermarkets is influenced by the
equivalent conventional products not being available at the time they are shopping. It is likely, for
example, if conventionally grown spring onions have sold out and those remaining on the shelf are
organic, that shoppers might buy organic instead of doing without. Depending on the scale of organic purchases made on that basis, we should be careful when assessing consumers’ actual preferences.
Having said all that, and based on recent years’ performance before the current economic downturn,
the organic sector appears set for long-term growth. The availability of organic processed foods has
been increasing notably through the major supermarket chains that are described later, and the success of the Green & Black chocolate brand in the supermarkets is a case in point. The BBC reported
in 2008 that 70% of the baby food market is now organic; and the major supermarket chains have all
pledged to increase their shares of organic products stocked.
We conclude, therefore, that the growth of organic food is high profile and it represents a premium
sector opportunity attractive to overseas producers of processed foods. We note also that organic
sales still account for a very small share of the UK food market in total, but that the segment does
represent a long term development opportunity particularly for speciality producers.



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2

Market Size

Estimates of the UK food industry’s size vary widely, depending on the source. Keynote suggests
around £55bn consumer expenditure in 2006 while the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) refers
to the grocery market in 2008 being £134.8bn.
We refer here to the UK Government’s report of purchases and expenditure on food and drink in
2007, published in December 2008, and to government figures published by the Advertising Association. The Consumer Trends Survey 2007 suggests expenditure in 2006 of £70.8bn on food for home
consumption; nearly £79bn in restaurants, cafes etc and canteens; and £41.5bn in total for wine,
beer and spirits.
The Government’s Family Spending Survey 2007 suggests expenditure of £2,355 per family on food
and non-alcoholic drinks (10.2% of total family expenditure), and £1,180 on eating out including restaurants and takeaways (excluding alcoholic drinks). Family expenditure on wines, beers and spirits
is recorded at £327 per family for home consumption, and £442 away from the home.
Based on the UK Government’s figures, food consumption between 2002 and 2006 grew by 7.7% at
constant prices; and wines, beers and spirits by 1.2%. The report published in December 2008 suggests growth in 2006-07 for all food and alcohol expenditure for consumption at home at 2.7%; and
for eating-out a decline of 1.5%. IGD, however, reports grocery market annual growth until May 2008
at 4.1%.
Referring to the UK Government’s Consumer Spending survey 2007, the main market categories
are:
Product Category
Fruit and vegetables
Meat and bacon
Bread and cereals
Milk, cheese and eggs
Sugar and sweet products
Soft drinks (inc mineral water)
Fish
Tea, coffee and cocoa
Other food
Oils and fats
Total Food (home consumption)

£m
2006
15,463
14,178
10,310
8,441
7,243
7,129
2,987
1,983
1,672
1,403
70,809

CHFm
(approx)
26,070
23,903
17,382
14,231
12,211
12,019
5,035
3,343
2,818
2,365
119,377

%
of Total
21.8
20.0
14.6
11.9
10.2
10.1
4.2
2.8
2.4
2.0
100.0

Wine, cider and perry
Beer
Spirits
Total Wine, Beer and Spirits

14,557
19,128
7,876
41,561

24,542
32,249
13,278
70,069

35.0
46.0
19.0
100.0

Whatever the validity of these data, the UK population comprises around 60m consumers, and there
are more than 90,000 food retailers. In addition to around 76,000 pubs and restaurants, there are
another 184,000 outlets including fast-food restaurants, hotels, leisure outlets, staff catering, healthThe UK Food and Drinks Sector


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care and education catering. The size of the UK market therefore makes it a significant target for
Swiss exports.

3

Key Sectors for Swiss Exporters

The general product categories of the UK food market are summarised in the previous section, Market Size. As the key purpose of this report is to inform prospective Swiss exporters of areas of opportunity, this section considers the categories likely to be of specific interest to Swiss producers in
that context. References to market values are all based on estimates published in the Grocer Review of 2008, or Keynote estimates.
All these markets are dynamic, and the data historical. Each of these commentaries is indicative
therefore, designed to outline the recent UK market position so that prospective exporters can assess quickly whether to explore it further. The Swiss Business Hub UK is able to introduce UK experts in the food industry who can focus on segment detail based upon companies’ particular interests and objectives.
A general comment worth noting is that while the national supermarket chains account for more than
85% of the UK grocery market (and the leading four for more than 68%), much opportunity exists
nevertheless for small producers through national and regional wholesalers to the independent and
speciality retail sectors, and foodservice. The biggest players are described later and noted in the
Appendix.

Chocolate and Sugar Confectionery
Sales of chocolate confectionery, including countlines, blocks and moulded chocolate, boxed chocolates and other chocolate confectionery, increased by only 2.2% in 2008 to £2.987m, representing a
decline in real terms. The market is dominated by Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, Galaxy, Maltesers, Mars,
KitKat and retailers’ own-label whose combined sales represent nearly 38% of the sector.
Key suppliers at the premium end of the market include Green & Black organic blocks and continental producers of boxed chocolates, truffles and blocks, including Guylian, Leonidas, Milka, and others
including of course Lindt and Toblerone. There are substantial seasonal markets around Christmas
and Easter when Lindt/Lindor and Toblerone products are particularly prominent in the major supermarkets and speciality food shops at Valentine’s Day; and Mother’s Day for truffles and boxed chocolates.
As there are now so many premium brands offered at these times, it is increasingly difficult to establish a clear competitive advantage. That is the challenge facing any new exporter, and the main opportunity initially might be the independent sector where differentiation with supermarket offerings is
welcomed.
The sugar confectionery sector, worth around £1,216m is static, and dominated by chewing gum that
accounts for 20% of the market. Haribo, Rowntree, and Maynards fruit gums and jellies are the leading non-chewing gum brands, accounting in total for 15.8% of the market. Artificial additives have
been replaced by natural options, enabling a more “healthy” or at least “less unhealthy” proposition.


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There is a seasonal market for boxed jellies and similar products, but it is much smaller than that for
chocolate products.
Keynote research noted that consumers are concerned with the amount of fat and sugar contained in
chocolate and other confectionery, but most seem to continue to buy it primarily on impulse and regard chocolate as an allowable indulgence.

Dairy Products (Cheese)
The UK cheese market is dominated by Cheddar produced by various brands and in all the retailers’
own labels, in total representing more than 53% of the £2,219m UK market. French and Italian products lead the Continental sector with around 10% between them, and other Continental products (excluding blue) account for another 5% of the market.
According to the Grocer’s review of the dairy sector in September 2008, Continental cheese is performing well in spite of the economic downturn, as consumers are more adventurous in their cooking
and eating habits, including cooking at home more frequently and indulging in Continental cheeses
instead of eating out.
Sales of pre-packed continental cheeses increased by 4% in value and 4.5% in volume during the
review period, and strong performers include goats cheese (+10%), Continental hard cheese (+7%),
blue cheese (+7%, with St Agur up 19%) and Camembert (+3%). Swiss dairy specialist Emmi in the
UK reported strong sales of Swiss cheeses such as Gruyere for use in home cooking.
There are many specialist cheese distributors serving the mainstream retail sector and foodservice
outlets with block and pre-packed Continental cheeses. As competition is fierce for shelf space in
the supermarkets, an appropriate strategy for any new entrant to the UK might be to explore possibilities with one or more of these leading distributors, some with hundreds of client accounts in the
retail and catering sectors.

Coffee
The UK hot beverages market in the grocery sector, including coffee, tea and chocolate, is worth
£1,409m and is static. Consumers continue to move away from tea to coffee, but the established
instant coffee brands are in decline (the brand leader Nescafe Original dropped nearly 12% in a
year).
Any perceived growth in the sector has been in premium products such as speciality teas (Twinings
+2.7%) and the premium coffee brand Carte Noir (+11.4%).
In foodservice, coffee shops continue to grow in number, and a report prepared in 2007 anticipated
growth from 3,000 outlets in the UK with turnover around £1.3bn to 6,000 turning over around £2.5bn
in 7-10 years. Allegra Strategies (10) identified that consumers are visiting coffee shops more frequently and estimated that 11m visit a coffee shop at least once weekly. A knock-on effect has been
that the number of options available in “conventional” cafes, hotels and restaurants has expanded.



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Biscuits
Biscuits are worth £2,061m to the UK grocery sector, about 25% in the major retailers’ own labels.
The sector includes cereal bars (with 6 cereal bars in the top 20 brands, representing 11% of the
sector and 17% growth) and crackers as well as sweet biscuits and chocolate biscuits. The growth
of cereal bars is regarded as consumers’ response to eating foods they perceive as healthier options.
An established Continental segment within the premium sector is dominated by Bahlsen, Lotus, Jules
Destrooper and retailers’ own-label options.
Before the economic situation worsened in 2008, growth was anticipated from the premium sector;
and while the downturn is now expected to impact on these products’ sales it is possible that the “reward” element of “allowable treats” will prevail.
Pressure will bear on mainstream buyers to optimise their sales by devoting more space to value
lines, therefore increasing the challenge for new listings in the Continental sector. Also, as suggested earlier, current exchange rates favour UK companies producing “Continental style” biscuits.
As in other product categories, the answer for new exporters is to define a specific differential advantage and perhaps to enter the market initially via speciality distributors.

Health Foods
The definition of “Health Foods” tends to include supplements and vitamins as well as functional
foods; cereals, nuts and pulses; speciality milks and fruit juices; sometimes vegetarian and organic
products; and a wide range of options promoted as containing ingredients regarded as “healthier”
than the conventional alternative. Consequently, it is difficult to define a market value; but the segment is significant because of its various elements.
As the Government continues to promote healthier eating through its initiative “Healthy Weight,
Healthy Lives”, the sector should grow.
Keynote reported in 2008 about “healthy eating” that while there is much consumer scepticism about
claims made by manufacturers, most were willing to spend more for healthy food and drink as long
as it tastes good.
The main specialist retailers are Holland + Barrett’s 500 stores; Julian Graves; GNC; pharmacy
chains; and the independent sector notably in London and large urban areas.
In the mainstream retailers, all promote “good for you” or “healthier” options in their ready meals ranges, for example with lower salt, low fat, sugar-free etc. Increasingly also they are stocking products
that are, for example, gluten-free.
Debate continues in the industry about how best to inform consumers about the nutritional values
including levels of salt and fats etc in their prepared foods.
As many “health” foods are more expensive than their conventional equivalents, the sector is anticipated to be affected by the economic downturn. The specialist sector is served by several wholesalers/distributors well placed to introduce new products.


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Soups, Sauces and Condiments
This is another product category that in the UK is fragmented. The soup category, worth £522m and
50% controlled by Heinz and retailers’ own labels, is a mature market that one industry insider referred to as “recession-proof”. “Sauces and condiments” are dominated by ketchup, mayonnaise,
“HP” sauce and salad cream, that between Heinz, Hellmann’s and retailers’ own-labels account for
more than three-quarters of the £517m category.
Opportunities exist in speciality retailers but it is likely to be in the foodservice sector or with prepared-meal suppliers that producers of bouillons and specialist soups and sauces are most likely to
find interest. Chefs are always seeking new flavour possibilities, but the sector is fragmented and
producers of Swiss sauces should seek opportunities in foodservice through specialist distributors

Canned Products
The canned foods market according to Keynote comprises vegetables, fish, soup, meat, fruit, pasta,
desserts and cooking sauces. (We have addressed soups and sauces in the previous paragraphs,
summarising the findings of another report). Baked beans, vegetables, fruit, fish and pasta amount
to £1,645m, with canned vegetables representing £407m (nearly 25% of the total).
Retailers’ private label represents 56% of canned vegetables, and Napolina tomatoes, Green Giant
sweetcorn, and Batchelors products another 25%.
The sector has been static in spite of expectations that it would do better due to the economic situation; volumes of vegetables have slipped by 1.1%.
As in other product categories, opportunities are most likely for products that are different to those
commodities that dominate the market, distributed via speciality retailers or perhaps in the foodservice sector.

Meat Free
The re-definition of “vegetarian” as “meat-free” has extended the market to include consumers who
don’t think of themselves as vegetarians but who simply wish to reduce their meat consumption.
The market leader in the £260m sector is Premier Foods’ Quorn meat-substitute, followed by retailers’ own-labels. Other key players are Cauldron, Linda McCartney brand, Grassington, Tivall,
Cranks, Redwood and recently Innocent with a range of Veg Pots.
Sausages, grills and burgers account for nearly 40% of the sector; Ingredients another 23%; ready
meals and meal centres 20%; and deli, pastries and snacks 17%.
The format for meat-free meal solutions is predominantly frozen, and the leading retailers have tended to over-perform in the sector, notably Sainsburys and Waitrose. Tesco and Sainsburys account
for 52% market share. The foodservice sector, however, is under-represented.



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Depending upon any new entrant’s product offer, and given the nature of the sector, it might be possible to negotiate a range extension with an existing business that has established distribution. Alternatively seeking a specialist distributor (including possibly in the health food sector) might be a
way forward.

Soft Drinks
The UK soft drinks sector comprises carbonated drinks (£2,009m), juice drinks and smoothies
(£1,804m), sports and energy drinks (£683m), bottled water (£580m), diluting drinks (squashes and
cordials worth £442m), and adult soft drinks (£111m).
The carbonated drinks market is dominated by Coca-Cola, juice drinks by Pepsico, and the diluting
drinks market by Robinsons (Britvic). The main UK producers, also including AG Barr, GlaxoSmithKline and Innocent, control virtually all of the UK market, bottling in the UK.
The sports and energy drinks market is anticipated to continue developing in 2009, having grown
15% in value during 2008.
The market that exists on the continent for syrups is not replicated in the UK, where squashes and
cordials fulfil the demand for diluting drinks.

Drinks (Wine, Beer, Spirits)
The UK alcoholic drinks industry is dominated by international brewing and distilling groups including
Anheuser-Busch InBev, Scottish & Newcastle and Diageo.
Wine sales via the grocery trade grew by nearly 4% in 2008 to £4,754m, and New World wines have
overtaken French. The sector is driven primarily on price and high volumes. Opportunities for local
Swiss wine producers are likely to continue to be in the specialist sector.
The grocery market for beer comprises lager (£2,771m) and Ales (£441m), and has been static in the
last 12 months. Lager sales are dominated by Stella Artois, Carling , Foster’s and Carlsberg with a
combined 53% share, and Ales by John Smiths, Boddingtons, Old Speckled Hen and Newcastle
Brown with a 34% combined share.
Spirits increased through grocers by 6.5% in 2008 to £2,917m, with the three leading Scotch whiskies taking 13%, Smirnoff Red Label 8.3% and Gordon’s Gin 3.6%.



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4

Retail and Foodservice Structure

The UK retail and profit-foodservice structures are similar in principle, with multiple chains dominating, and independent operators supplied by distributors/wholesalers.
Access to the mainstream retailers and foodservice providers is either direct (for large, established
suppliers or where a particular advantage can be demonstrated) or more likely for new exporters to
be via an importer/agent/wholesaler.
As we explain later, however, approaches to leading buyers can be made directly even if supply ultimately will be channelled through a third party. Indeed, approaching buyers directly should be a key
element of any new exporter’s market research to define the opportunity and establish an appropriate
market entry strategy.

Retail Sector
The grocery retail structure in the UK is dominated by multiple supermarket chains, whose respective
market shares are indicated in the table on the next page.
According to Taylor Nelson Sofres who track the market monthly, the leading four chains account for
around 68% of the grocery market. We also demonstrate in a graph the multiples’ relative demographic profiles.
After the major multiples’ expansion of superstores and hypermarkets in out-of-town locations in the
last 20 years, they are now growing their estates of smaller supermarkets and convenience stores in
town centres and residential areas, often by acquisition of smaller chains of specialists. Tesco now
own One-Stop for example, and have converted many branches to the Tesco Express facia.
The biggest UK grocer is Tesco (11) with around 1,900 hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores in the UK. Sainsburys (12) also operate hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience
stores, with around 770 stores. Asda (13) is the USA-based Wall-Mart’s UK business, operating solely in the hypermarket sector with around 315 stores; and Waitrose (14) with 200 stores and Co-op
(15), who recently acquired Somerfield, both operate from supermarkets and convenience stores.
Unlike all the others who sell manufacturers’ branded products as well as their own retailer-own label, Marks and Spencer (16) sell only the M&S brand that is made for them to the most rigorous manufacturing standards.
The independent sector is dominated by Musgrave’s (17) Budgens symbol chain and NISA-Today;
and the cash-and-carry sector is dominated by Makro (Metro) (18) who have 32 stores in the UK and
Costco (19) who continue their current UK expansion, now with eight stores.



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The following chart shows how many retail outlet types and stores there are in each sector of the
market in total, from convenience retailing to supermarkets and superstores.
There are nearly 96,000 food retailers in the UK; however the majority of turnover is achieved in the
7,000 superstores and hypermarkets operated by the leading chains.
Speciality food retailers are included in the numbers for “Trad Ret & Dev Conv”.

Source: Institute of Grocery Distribution
The UK retailers’ shares of the UK grocery market, taken from two reports quoting TNS data in November and December 2008, are indicated in the following table:
Retailer

% of UK Grocery Market
Nov/Dec 2008*
Tesco
27.6-30.7
Asda
14.4-16.9
Sainsburys
15.2-16.2
Morrisons
11.1-11.9
Co-op/Somerfield
7.6-7.7
M&S
4.1
Waitrose
3.7-4.1
Aldi/Lidl/Netto
3.2/2.4/0.7
Iceland
2.0-2.2
Farmfoods
0.5-0.7
Total Independents
2.4
* varies according to the source data, TNS/Wm Reed/kamcity



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When considering the most appropriate target distribution, a key factor is consumers’ profiles and
their likely interest in buying. All the major retailers stock Continental products and their ranges include offers at each end of the pricing spectrum.
By observing their customer demographics however, we can approximate the leading retailers’ relative positions in that respect:

UK Grocery Retailer Map

% Market Share
30

Tesco
Sainsburys
ASDA
Morrisons
Somerfield
Marks & Spencer
Waitrose
Co-op
Iceland
Budgens
Aldi, Lidl, Netto etc

25

20

15

10

5

0

Discounters,

<-------- Spectrum of Price / Image Perception --------

Less affluent customers

Premium image,
Affluent customers

Source: Hyatt Consulting
Recent developments in UK grocery retailing include Waitrose’s move into convenience retailing with
a new store in Nottingham; M&S’s decision to close several of its Simply Food stores; and Tesco,
Waitrose, Iceland (20) and Co-op’s interest in taking over some of the sites occupied until recently by
the failed Woolworths chain.
The Speciality Foods (also known as the Fine Foods) segment of the retail sector is best recognised
by the high-profile department store food halls at Harrods (21), Fortnum & Mason (22), Selfridges
(23) and Harvey Nichols (24). There are also hundreds of independent stores selling imported fine
foods including speciality shops (eg cheese), delicatessens and farm shops.
Because of their focus on premium products (whether imported or organic, for example) the speciality or fine foods sector is considered mainly separate from traditional butchers, bakers and fruit/veg
retailers.
Around 1,300 speciality or fine foods shops are members of the Guild of Fine Food (3). These stores
are serviced by local suppliers, or by specialist wholesalers (eg continental cheese specialists, or
specialists importing exotic foods). By the nature of their offer, this sector is likely to be relevant to
suppliers of premium products seeking to establish the extent to which UK consumers are interested.



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Foodservice Sector
The UK Foodservice sector is diverse, with 260,000 establishments covering the spectrum from coffee shops to pubs, hotels and restaurants, and from school kitchens to works canteens to fine dining
establishments.
UK Catering Outlets
Restaurants
Fast Food/Quick Service Restaurants
Pubs
Hotels
Leisure
Staff Catering
Healthcare
Education
Services
Total
Source: Advertising Association/Horizons (4)

Number of Outlets
2006
26,700
30,048
51,102
46,544
19,253
20,614
31,699
34,614
3,082
263,657

The economic downturn has impacted on the profit sector in particular (restaurants, pubs, cafes etc)
at a time when it was still recovering from the effect of the introduction of the UK’s smoking ban in
enclosed public places.
Opportunities for Swiss suppliers to the UK profit- and cost-sector foodservice market include the
spectrum of food products as ingredients or meal solutions, distributed via specialised channels that
are diverse but summarised in the following paragraphs.
The profit-segment of the Foodservice sector is dominated by restaurant, hotel, coffee shop, sandwich bar and pub chains that either buy centrally or list centrally for its operators to buy from suppliers/distributors at a local level. Examples include Whitbread (25), Mitchell & Butler (26), Costa (27),
Café Nero (28), Subway (29), Eat (30), Punch Taverns (31), Greene King (32). Many independent
hotels buy via the Beacon purchasing group (33) on behalf of Best Western.
The independent catering sector also is supplied largely by market leaders Brakes (chilled and frozen) (34), 3663 (predominantly ambient) (35), and Caterforce (36) (comprising regional specialists in
servicing independent foodservice locations).
Fine dining restaurants tend to source most of their ingredients from local suppliers, and in London
from specialist suppliers of meat, seafood etc.
The cost-segment of the UK’s food industry is a combination of specialist providers such as Compass (37) and Sodexo (38) providing services to industry and leisure venues, and distributors such
as Case who specialise in supplying institutional kitchens in hospitals, schools and other public services. Many of these outlets also buy from the many local wholesalers around the UK.
The Institute of Grocery Distribution (5) has recorded the details of more than 14,000 wholesalers,
most of them local specialists.


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5

Strategy for Market Entry

Throughout this report we have commented that opportunities exist for Swiss companies whose products and business attitude might be appropriate to the UK market.
Previous chapters have indicated market characteristics in general for product categories that are
likely to interest producers of Swiss food products, including market sizes and a summary of the retail
and foodservice sectors.
The key conclusion made at the end of Chapter 2 is that the size of the UK market, with its 60m population and consumers’ interest in the kind of foods that are produced in Switzerland, makes the UK
a significant target for Swiss exports. We suggest also that the image of Switzerland as producers of
high quality is a favourable one, and an advantage for prospective new exporters to the UK.
Market conditions currently are very challenging, but that doesn’t mean there are no opportunities.
Swiss export data being prepared at the time this report was being completed suggest that recent
Swiss exports of food products are less than a year ago but that the sector is performing better than
other product groups (Administration Fédérale des Douanes AFD).
The challenge for any aspiring Swiss exporter of food and drink to the UK therefore is a combination
of identifying the most appropriate target market segment; how to impress prospective distributors to
offer the product; and how to attract their consumers to buy it.
This chapter addresses how that challenge might be addressed in an integrated export marketing
plan, considering the key issues of research into specific opportunities, product development or
refinement for the UK, target distribution, pricing policy, packaging and promotion for the UK,
and customer management.
The Swiss Business Hub UK can help companies develop their export planning for the UK by introducing experts whose specific experience is in the UK food industry.
In-Market Research
Having decided that the UK is an interesting market in general, the next stage for a new exporter of a
particular product is to explore in more detail the market segments that are most likely to be appropriate. That research will help to define a market entry strategy, and influence the search for an appropriate business partner.
Exporters can refer to this report and to the web sites set out in the Appendix first of all, to identify in
principle the market segments most likely to be appropriate: for example mainstream grocery, specialist fine food retailers, or foodservice.
Perhaps with the assistance of the Swiss Business Hub and one of its panel of experts, the next stage is to visit the market personally and to witness the actual environment.
A producer might conclude from desk research that mainstream retail is appropriate. Visiting branches of several retail chains will help consolidate that view, or maybe change it, by witnessing the
presence of competitors and observing consumers’ buying behaviour, as well as stores’ ambience
compared with successful outlets in the company’s existing markets.


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Observation in-store provides valuable insight before approaching retailers’ buying offices – for example in-store pricing and the relative significance of promotional activity and how it appears to be
managed; logistics details including how the product is merchandised; and even outer case sizes
supplied by competitors that might vary from the company’s experience elsewhere. Not only is such
information valuable for preparing an offer, but buyers expect prospective suppliers to be familiar with
these and similar issues.
In-market research, including visiting branches of prospective target retailers in particular, also provides knowledge of the range of products being stocked by different retailers and in different storetypes.
The same principles apply to fine-food distribution, although the fragmented nature of the market
means that individual store visits are less definitive. Having said that, it is often possible to engage
with the store proprietor who can provide first-hand opinions and advice. When considering approaching any of the leading department store food halls in London, it is best if possible to visit them
beforehand and to engage with the relevant department manager or at least an experienced sales
assistant for insight.
It is important also to recognise that buying patterns can vary in different regions of the UK; while
London and the Home Counties around London is a hugely important regional market segment with
a population around 15m, the majority of the UK’s total population does live elsewhere.
In foodservice, most but not all of the leading fine dining restaurants are in Central London; however
there are many good, independent restaurants as well as all the major chains throughout the UK that
might be equally interesting for the product.
It can be expensive in time and resources, however, to carry out in-market research, and without the
benefit of local knowledge it can be a challenge to draw the most appropriate conclusions. An approach to researching specific opportunities therefore is to commission a research programme from
an expert in the UK. The programme, which the Swiss Business Hub UK can help to design, should
be tailored to the Swiss company’s aims and objectives and include a market visit to typical outlets to
witness them at first hand.
Depending upon the outcome of the in-market research, the next stage is to approach prospective
retail or foodservice buyers/distributors to identify their potential interest. Product, distribution, pricing,
packaging and promotion issues are key elements to be considered in that respect.



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Product
Ultimately, buyers’ and consumers’ interest will depend on the product itself, and new exporters need
to be able to demonstrate competitive advantage early on.
Why should the buyer stock or distribute the product, and how will doing so add value to the business? How is the product different and better than other products on the shelves, to justify the expensive administrative process of delisting another supplier to make way? Where else in Europe is it
listed, and how successfully? How do consumers relate to it, in the context of the retailer’s consumer
profiles?
New exporters to the UK need to address these product issues even to reach the tasting/sampling
stage. All suppliers profess their superior quality and value, and price is always a key issue. Buyers
are likely to respond to a genuinely innovative approach, at least to wish to find out more. That competitive advantage might be taste and flavour, perhaps demonstrated by testimonials; or the use of
particularly interesting or more natural or organic ingredients; or a more energy-efficient process.
In a recent example, a UK buyer interested in a new product dictated that it should contain not only a
particular ingredient, but that it should omit a particular additive that is commonly used in its production. Exporters need to consider therefore whether their product can be refined if necessary, to meet
technical requirements that might be different in the UK.
Manufacturing quality is assumed, including independent accreditation of manufacturing procedures
that will meet, or can be developed to meet, the UK retailers’ specifications (all of which exceed the
basic European regulations).

Target Distribution
A Swiss exporter new to the UK might conclude from this report that the company’s product is appropriate in the mainstream retail sector, or for speciality/fine food distribution, or in the foodservice sector. Subsequent in-country research and assessment of the product’s competitive advantage should
help to focus attention on the most encouraging approach to meet the company’s objectives.
The next strategic issue to address for market entry is to identify the most appropriate distribution
channel, for example whether to approach the market directly or via a business partner that might be
an agent or distributor.
UK retail and foodservice buying structures are sophisticated. Buyers are under pressure not to increase administrative overheads by introducing new suppliers, therefore the first opportunity to supply is often via a third-party distributor or agent who supplies the buyer already.
Very few distributors supply all the major customers, however; so we recommend the value in approaching buyers direct initially, with a view to seeking their suggestions in that respect. This applies
equally to SME exporters as leading retailers might elect to distribute through a limited number of
stores.
There are two particular advantages to this approach.


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First, by approaching the buyer, the exporter has an opportunity to present its competitive advantage
directly, and can respond quickly to detailed questions (for example with respect to possible product
refinement for the UK).
It is likely that the buyer, if interested, will insist on third-party distribution at least initially, and will
signpost the exporter to a supplier or suppliers with whom the buyer already trades. In these circumstances, approaching the distributor with a warm prospect and referral from one of their customers,
the distributor is likely to take the approach seriously.
Buyers’ and distributors’ schedules are very busy and they receive many speculative approaches, so
it is important to demonstrate credibility early on. Again assistance is available through the Swiss
Business Hub UK’s panel of experts who are skilled in approaching buyers on behalf of new market
entrants.
Also, being introduced in the context of a project facilitated by the Swiss Embassy is a powerful advantage as buyers are more likely to respond at least to the initial approach.
Many suppliers are competing for buyers’ time to make sales presentations. A mistaken first impression can kill an otherwise potentially lucrative opportunity, therefore it is vitally important to prepare
the case fully and professionally.
When appointing either a distributor (typically defined as buying the product from the exporter, for
distribution) or an agent (typically facilitating business with third parties in return for a negotiated
commission based on sales achieved, with the exporter as principal responsible for delivery and invoicing to end customers), the exporter should conduct a due-diligence study and take specialist legal advice before entering into a contractual agreement. Swiss Business Hub UK can assist by listing specialist firms that claim to provide these services.
We have already considered the importance of researching the market and establishing genuine
competitive advantage. The following elements of market entry strategy are also important at this
stage in preparing to contact target customers/distributors.

Price
Retailers’ and distributors’ profit margins vary, depending on the product and its market potential,
therefore it is difficult to generalise on pricing policy. Likewise, pricing and payment in £, € or CHF is
open to negotiation, although £ is likely to be preferred.
In-store selling prices identified in the in-market research, when compared with prices charged for the
exporter’s product in other markets, can provide an indicator in the early stages that will help prioritise the exporter’s potential.
In speciality or fine-food retailing, “rules of thumb” exist for assessing ultimate selling prices in-store
and whether they might be viable, but much depends on the route to market and the number of wholesalers that might be involved in the supply chain. It is dangerous therefore to generalise beyond
recommending the significance of visiting the market before committing to approaching prospects.
Payment terms vary, depending for example on whether distribution is via multiples, or wholesalers
supplying independents. Currently there is institutional pressure to settle invoices faster and it is a


24 / 28

changing situation. As it varies, it is not appropriate to make suggestions here. However it is worth
noting that earlier payment can be achieved as an element of pricing negotiations generally; by avoiding rejects as much as possible; and ensuring that delivery and invoicing administration is always
accurate.

Packaging and Promotion
As in other markets, UK packaging is subject to labelling regulations. These can be researched at
the Food Standards Agency (39), although buyers/distributors will also have their own requirements
that are specific to their organisation in terms of outer case size and markings, etc.
Exporters can learn much from their domestic and continental competitors already in the market by
examining their packaging during the in-market research programme. Anything already on the shelves can be assumed to represent at least acceptable practice. Nutritional values are encouraged for
some foods using the “traffic light” system described in detail at www.food.gov.uk/foodlabelling, and
various foods have different catch-weight regulations. Some labelling information including ingredients listings is dictated in terms of font-size and legibility.
Exporters to the UK should include in their web-site an English-language version for prospective distributors and for consumers. In-store, promotional activity is a key element of UK mainstream retailing and it is important for exporters to budget for it; however it tends to be a feature more associated
with volume products and leading brands. Again, visiting stores will indicate each retailer’s policy in
that respect, in principle at least and particularly for products that are specialist or premium, simply
by observation. Multiples all participate in price promotion with offers of “buy-1-get-1-free”, half-price
and “3 for 2” etc particularly in the current economic climate, but nevertheless to varying degrees.
Distributors will have agreed category-wide objectives with their main customers, and discounts related to overall sales might be included to encourage higher-profile merchandising and other activities to achieve them. Introductory pricing, sampling and leaflets are examples of a range of tools that
might be used.
Policies vary at different distributors about contributions to catalogue-entry. Some make a charge
per entry; others factor the cost into the price they are willing to agree.
Some distributors insist on initial marketing allowances, but they are not universal and should not put
any exporters off exploring the UK. Buyers are being encouraged to support smaller brands where
appropriate in the context of providing choice.



25 / 28

Customer Management
The Swiss Business Hub UK and its panel of experts can assist companies seeking introductory
meetings.
As indicated elsewhere, we suggest that new exporters should meet buyers if possible and as early
as possible following the in-market research visits, for their feedback direct and as they might take
the opportunity to suggest a distribution partner in whom they have confidence already. That partner
becomes the exporter’s customer, but in what will have become from the outset a tri-partite arrangement.
Whatever the customer relationship, with distributor or buyer in retail or in foodservice, effective
communications will be a key to success.
A regular meetings schedule should be agreed, to facilitate development discussions (and to resolve
any issues) more efficiently than is possible by telephone; supplemented by more frequent contact by
phone, email etc.
Throughout negotiations and on-going business development, mainstream buyers expect their suppliers to take the initiative in exploring possibilities to continuously improve the offer and its value,
and to monitor market trends and competitor activity so that appropriate actions can be taken. Their
in-house information systems and those of their category-leading suppliers provide comprehensive
data, but successful suppliers are expected to be pro-active themselves in their knowledge and understanding of their business development, and are expected to be innovative in their approach to
growing the business.
For new exporters, this means working very closely with their distributers and any other UK business
partners to ensure that on-going opportunities are continuously researched and identified for new
business, whether in mainstream multiples or in the independent, speciality sector, or in foodservice
where the same principles apply for new product and menu development.
Whether the exporter’s direct relationship is with a distributor, agent or directly with a mainstream
retail or foodservice supplier, efficient communications extend to accurate administration of scheduling, deliveries, food-technical issues, invoicing, credits and any other administrative issues.



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6

Conclusion

This report’s purpose has been a general introduction to the UK Food and Drink Market for prospective exporters of Swiss food and drink. In describing the market, it has focused on the categories
recognised already as the most significant to Swiss food exports, according to available figures.
The report concludes that opportunities exist for Swiss exporters to the UK, in spite of the current
economic climate, although it recognises that market entry is more challenging. The reasons for optimism include the resilience of the food sector compared with others, the international diversity of
food products available in the UK and the growth of “international foods”, Swiss presence in the market already with products that are recognised as being high quality and value, and the tendency
among consumers who are economising in other respects to reward themselves with premium food
products.
We have introduced issues that affect Swiss companies’ ability to trade successfully in the UK, but
given the general characteristics and size of the UK market and depending on the product’s competitive advantage, we have concluded that opportunity exists even in these difficult economic conditions.
The UK retail and foodservice sectors are both structured in such a way that new prospects can approach them either directly or via a distributor. We have recommended that new exporters should
undertake an in-country market research project to familiarise themselves with the UK environment,
before undertaking a market entry strategy appropriate to their priorities.
We suggest approaching buyers direct at the outset, recognising however that supply is likely in
practice to be via a distributor or agent. Key reasons for this approach include the benefit of receiving direct feedback if it is possible, and recognising that there are few distributors that supply all the
retailers. This approach allows the buyer to suggest an appropriate distributor for further discussions.
Key issues that should be addressed in the market entry plan are set out, including being clear about
the product’s competitive advantage, pricing issues, addressing packaging and labelling requirements, considering promotional implications, and the significance of efficient communications.
Further information about establishing a focused project to explore the opportunities in detail is available from the Swiss Business Hub UK.
Date: 30 January 2009
Author: Mr Alan Highet
Author’s address:
Firways
Hackford Road
Wicklewood, Norfolk
NR18 9QJ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1953 600 525
Fax +44 (0)1953 600 889
Mobile: +44 (0)7767 782 191
Email: alan.highet@hyattconsulting.co.uk


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Appendix – Sources and References

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39

www.fial.ch/de/statistics/2006/
www.thegrocer.co.uk
www.finefoodworld.co.uk/downloads/FFD14_15_Dec.pdf
www.adassoc.org.uk and www.warc.com
www.igd.com
www.efsis.com
www.brc.org.uk
www.keynote.co.uk
www.soilassociation.org
www.allegra.co.uk
www.tesco.co.uk
www.sainsburys.co.uk
www.asda.co.uk
www.waitrose,com
www.co-operative.coop/food/
www.marksandspencer.com
www.musgrave.ie
www.makro.co.uk
www.costco.co.uk
www.iceland.co.uk
www.harrods.com/HarrodsStore/find/c/foodhall
www.fortnumandmason.com/Food-Hall,289.aspx
www.selfridges.com
www.harveynichols.com/output/Page30.asp
www.whitbread.co.uk
www.mbplc.com
www.costa.co.uk
www.cafenero.com
www.subway.co.uk
www.eat.co.uk
www.punchtaverns.com
www.greeneking.co.uk
www.beaconpurchasing.co.uk
www.brake.co.uk
www.3663.co.uk
www.caterforce.co.uk
www.compass-group.com
http://uk.sodexo.com/
www.food.gov.uk/foodlabelling



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