Oats market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, UK oat production increased from 850 thousand tonnes to 1 123 thousand tonnes, and market volume grew from 855 thousand tonnes to 1 114 thousand tonnes. This expansion was supported by the announced construction of the Navara Oat Milling plant, a major joint venture to build Europe's largest oat-processing facility, alongside significant investments in existing mill capacity to meet rising demand from plant-based beverage manufacturers such as Oatly.

After peaking in 2021, production and market volume declined, falling to 830 thousand tonnes and 719 thousand tonnes respectively by 2023. A key driver in 2022 was a surge in exports to 193 thousand tonnes, which helped manage domestic stocks after a large harvest but reduced available supply for the local market. The Navara Oat Milling plant commenced full operations in January 2023, enhancing the UK's oat processing capability, even as Oatly abandoned its plans for a new manufacturing facility in Peterborough.

The market for oat-based beverages continued to develop, driven by sustained consumer trends towards plant-based diets and health-conscious products. The Navara plant reached full operational capacity, while major brands like Alpro committed to using 100% British oats. Evolving food labelling and promotion regulations, including the Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2021, also influenced market access and consumer information in the later years.

Production oats in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, the United Kingdom ranked as the 6th largest producer of oats from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of oats, 2018-2021

World map of production of oats, 2018-2021

In 2021, the United Kingdom produced 1 123 thousand tonnes of oats, marking a moderate increase of 8.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 32.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 9.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 4.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, at 26.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports oats from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Exports varied significantly, with a 2.9-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2021, oat exports from the United Kingdom totaled 36 719 tonnes, reflecting a sharp year-on-year decline of 44.2%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 94 055 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 191.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain consistently led as the top destinations for oat exports from the United Kingdom in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 28.6% of exports, the Netherlands for 26.3%, and Spain for 21.9%, together making up 76.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports fluctuated by 2.1 times, with a trough in 2018 and a peak in 2019. In 2021, oat exports from the United Kingdom were valued at 15 704 thousand US dollars, representing a significant decrease of 21.0% from the previous year. The highest value was in 2019 at 22 298 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 106.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain were the leading buyers of oats from the United Kingdom in value terms. Belgium held a 21.0% share of exports, the Netherlands 18.2%, and Spain 15.6%, with their combined share reaching 54.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports oats to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, t

Oat imports into the United Kingdom increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 27 810 tonnes, showing a robust uptick of 10.6% compared to the year before. However, over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 25.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 9.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 804 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 39.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Ireland dominated oat imports into the United Kingdom in volume terms, accounting for 82.2% of total imports. The remaining volume was distributed among various other countries, each with smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Oat imports into the United Kingdom rose for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports were valued at 12 127 thousand US dollars, indicating an increase of 21.8% relative to the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.5%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 8 989 thousand US dollars, which also recorded the largest decline of 35.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Ireland was the dominant partner for oat imports into the United Kingdom in value terms, holding a 77.1% share of total flows. Other markets contributed comparatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021