Wheat and meslin market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The UK wheat and meslin market volume fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, starting at 15.7 million tons in 2018. Growth to 16.4 million tons in 2019 was supported by rising consumer interest in healthy and vegan wheat-based products. However, in 2020, volume fell sharply to 11.3 million tons due to global supply chain disruptions and commodity price volatility, which constrained availability.

Recovery followed in 2021, with market volume rebounding to 15.8 million tons, aided by persistent consumer demand for healthier flour alternatives. Modest growth continued in 2022, reaching 16.3 million tons, as trends toward organic and specialty wheat products held steady, and exchange rate movements affected import costs. By 2023, volume declined to 14.3 million tons, partly because global wheat price fluctuations dampened consumption.

Throughout the period, underlying shifts in UK consumer preferences toward plant-based and health-conscious foods remained a key market driver, while external factors such as geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures introduced additional volatility.

Production wheat and meslin in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom ranked 13th globally in wheat and meslin production volume.

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2018-2021

World map of production of wheat and meslin, 2018-2021

In 2021, the United Kingdom produced 13 988 K t of wheat and meslin, marking a 44.8% year-on-year increase. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 3.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The lowest production was recorded in 2020 at 9 658 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 16 225 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 40.5%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their peak in 2019 at 1 058 K t and fell to their lowest point in 2021 at 268 K t, representing a fourfold difference. In 2021, wheat and meslin exports from the United Kingdom totaled 268 K t, a sharp 48.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 50.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 195.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for wheat and meslin exports from the United Kingdom were Ireland (32.6% of exports in kind), Spain (22.0%), and the Netherlands (20.7%). Together, these three countries accounted for 75.3% 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, M $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this period. Export values peaked in 2019 at 233.1 M $ US and reached their lowest point in 2018, showing a 2.8-fold variation. In 2021, wheat and meslin exports from the United Kingdom amounted to 88.0 M $ US, reflecting a 26.0% reduction compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 49.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 176.9%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, three key markets—Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for 73.8% of the total value of wheat and meslin exports from the United Kingdom.

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 wheat and meslin to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes peaked in 2018 and dropped to their lowest point in 2019, with a twofold difference between these years. In 2021, wheat and meslin deliveries to the United Kingdom totaled 2 060 K t, indicating a moderate decline of 3.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 221 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 51.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 74.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three main sources—Canada, Germany, and Denmark—together supplied 52.8% of total wheat and meslin imports in kind to the United Kingdom.

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, M $ US

Foreign wheat and meslin supplies to the United Kingdom increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 648.4 M $ US, which is 21.5% higher than the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 6.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 318.8 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 47.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 67.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Canada (26.6% of imports in value terms), Germany (15.3%), and France (13.7%) remained the leading sources in the import structure, with a combined share of 55.6% of total flows.

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