Tokio Marine HCC has published a report by Arwel Roberts on the UK food & drinks sector, which notes that most food-related sub-sectors saw a reduction in insolvencies in 2024. Notable declines included the manufacture of drinks (down 11%), the manufacture of food products (down 18%), the retail sale of food and beverages (down 22%), and food and beverage service activities, which includes pubs and restaurants (down 6%). However, the positive trend appears to have ended in 2025, with data from the Insolvency Service for January to April showing that the total number of business failures has stagnated, with some food sub-sectors reporting increases again. Crop and animal production has seen another 25% y/y increase, after four consecutive years of rising business failures. Manufacture of food (+53% y/y in Jan-Apr 2025) and retail sale of food beverages (up by 6%) are also on a deteriorating trend again. To read Tokio Marine HCC’s report, go to https://www.tmhcc.com/en/news-and-articles/thought-leadership/trade-credit-uk-food-and-drink-report-2025.