The UK avocado market value has been concluded to be US$171.552 million for the year 2020.
The consumption trends in the UK are characterized by increasing demand for health and wellness products, as well as functional food products that stem from the ageing population and increased health consciousness of consumers. Another aspect is the concern for animal welfare which is increasingly steering them towards a plant-based diet and organic products.
Within the ambit of the aforementioned, avocado has gained much currency among UK consumers. Such substantial is the popularity of avocado that in September 2020, it was reported that a Netherlands-based mono-product restaurant, The Avocado Show, which has expanded internationally by way of a franchise model, has been reported to make its UK debut later this year.
Also, in June 2020, Marks & Spencer was reported to launch a vegan avocado burger, among others, in its Plant Kitchen range. Earlier in January 2020, it was reported that Pret a Manger had launched 15 new vegan menu items that will be available in Veggie Pret outlets in London and Manchester. Among the vegan options offered, avocado is one of the ingredients.
Further, the growing high-paced society and the rising number of single households are driving the demand for convenient ready-to-eat meals, among others. To this end, a British brand that is known for revolutionizing UK’s ready-to-eat snacking market with its smashed avocado and guacamole ranges is reported to launch its Original Guacamole SKU into Tesco stores across the nation in July 2020. This launch is expected to respond further to meet the soaring post-COVID demand for health-centric products.
Moreover, the increasing inclination to use cosmetics that constitute ingredients derived from plants is expected to drive the UK avocado market growth during the forecast period as well. For instance, cruelty-free cosmetics company Lush has reportedly launched its Easter-inspired range of vegan-friendly bath and shower products online and in stores during February 2020. It is devoid of palm oil and contains avocado oil which aids in the extending of intense moisture and aids in the conditioning of the skin.
Miss Fame, who is a model as well as an internationally recognized beauty influencer, reportedly launched her beauty line on Amazon in June 2020, which is known as The Fetish of Fashion, features five LipVoyeur Creme lipsticks which constitute plant-based moisturizers with avocado oil, among others. Moreover, in July 2020, it was reported that a lip balm called Sister & Co Rose and Cardamom Lip Tonic was scheduled to launch in the UK, which contains ingredients like avocado oil, among others, that make it exceedingly hydrating. British consumers are proactively making purchases online, which is expected to increase sales.
Further, with the gradual relaxation of lockdown measures, food and beverage establishments are expected to experience renewed growth with a reinforced interest in avocado-based preparation because it falls within the ambit of vegan, health, and plant-based alternative. Therefore, the aspects and development are expected to aid in driving the growth of the UK avocado market.
Key Developments
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had an everlasting effect on the worldwide economy. With the suspension of major industrial processes, the region faced significant losses. The UK avocado market had a slight decline in sales and demand in the initial stages of the lockdown, due to the disruptions in supply and production lines. However, the market quickly rebounded, owing to the increasing consumer demand and government initiatives to fulfil essential market demand. According to the Ministry of foreign affairs, Europe, the United Kingdom imported 122,000 tonnes of avocados in 2020. This was a marginal increase over the previous year. This increase was due to the growing adoption of healthy eating and cooking habits among people. Moreover, as the region has started to recover from the lockdown, the market is expected to increase substantially in the forecasted period.
Segmentation