The UK dairy products sector has evidenced a modest growth trajectory. From 2013 to 2016, employment figures showed slight fluctuations, peaking significantly in 2017 with a 14.19% year-on-year increase. Following this peak, a downward adjustment shortly ensued, yet the sector stabilized with incremental growth, averaging around 0.45% year-on-year from 2018 to 2023. As of 2023, employment is at 27.96 thousand FTE.
Looking ahead from 2024, forecasted data suggest a steady increase with a 5-year CAGR of 0.32%, projecting employment to 28.54 thousand FTE by 2028. Key future trends to monitor include technological advancements, rising automation, supply chain adaptations post-Brexit, and evolving consumer preferences. Maintaining competitive edge and sustainability initiatives will be critical in shaping employment dynamics in this sector.
