Fastest Growing Industries by Exports in United Kingdom in 2026

• 1. Mattress Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 37.1%

  The Mattress Manufacturing industry is fragmented, providing ample opportunity for smaller manufacturers to compete. Demand for mattresses primarily hinges on residential property transactions and capital expenditure on housing. These factors are closely tied to the economic climate and overall confidence in the economy. Trends in the service sector, specifically downstream demand from hotels, also influence mattress sales, meaning the number of visitor nights can sway revenue.

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• 2. Malt Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 14.2%

  The bulk of malt produced in the UK comes from malting barley, predominantly secured from local growers in the country's eastern regions. After experiencing a downturn in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Malt Manufacturing industry rebounded and has since remained robust. The industry stayed resilient even in the face of rampant inflation in 2022-23. Many malt manufacturers saw their revenue climb over the year as they passed higher costs onto their buyers. At the same time, mounting...

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• 3. Game & Toy Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 12.2%

  Game and toy manufacturers have performed resiliently in recent years in the face of rising import penetration and changing consumer tastes. Successful product developments to maintain interest from children and their parents have supported sales. Nevertheless, intense competition from imports has mitigated the effect of growing domestic demand. Revenue is expected to edge downwards at a compound annual rate of 0.4% over the five years through 2024-25 to £904.6 million. 

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• 4. Fruit Growing in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 11.9%

  The UK Fruit Growing industry produces roughly 700,000 tonnes of fruit per year. The climate of the UK limits fruit varieties so the market is focused on soft fruits, like strawberries and raspberries, and orchard fruits, like apples and pears. The climate is unsuitable for tropical fruits, including bananas and oranges, which means that these are almost all imported to the UK. Soft fruits tend to be the most profitable fruits as they have a much higher price per kg than other fruits. Fruits ...

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• 5. Scrap Metal Recycling in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 11.3%

  The prices of ferrous and non-ferrous metals sway the Scrap Metal Recycling industry’s performance. Trends in the manufacturing and construction markets have a big influence on demand. Revenue is projected to expand at a compound annual rate of 3.8% over the five years through 2024-25 to £8.9 billion. Metal prices fluctuate a lot, meaning revenue can be extremely volatile. Higher global metal prices allow recyclers to sell their scrap metal at higher prices, boosting revenue. However, manufac...

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• 6. Concrete Construction Product Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 11.1%

  Government spending on projects like the Help to Buy scheme and the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline has fostered growth in residential and infrastructure markets, maintaining demand for concrete products. Industry-wide revenue is projected to climb at a compound annual rate of 1% over the five years through 2024-25 to £4.3 billion, including an anticipated 2.8% drop in 2024-25.

  
  The resurgence in the downstream construction sector in 2021-22 lifted demand for con...

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• 7. Whisky Production in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 10.2%

  The production of Scotch whisky dominates the Whisky Production industry. Scotch whisky can only be produced in Scotland in line with strict regulatory standards, which restrict the supply and enhance premiumisation. The growing popularity of whisky has enticed a number of new distillers into the market recently, making the industry more fragmented, though the largest distillers — notably Diageo and Chivas Brothers — still hold the lion’s shares of the market through their flagship brands. Learn More

• 8. Railway Equipment Manufacturing in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 9.7%

  Rolling stock manufacturers rely heavily on long-term rolling stock replacement contracts. These contracts have long lead times and involve periodic payments throughout the manufacturing process, followed by a balloon payment when the project reaches completion, creating a high level of revenue and profit volatility. The industry's performance is heavily dependent on the performance of Alstom Transport and Hitachi Rail, with both companies holding 55.3% of market share. Revenue is forecast to...

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• 9. Vodka Distilleries in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 9.3%

  Alcohol consumption, demand from pubs and bars, disposable income, health consciousness and the exchange rate heavily influence the revenue of vodka distilleries. Competition in the vodka industry is fierce, with many of the most popular brands in the UK being produced internationally. Other spirits also pose strong competition. However, AU Vodka has emerged as the largest UK-produced vodka brand, significantly boosting the industry. Its revenue has increased substantially over the last five ...

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• 10. Non-Dairy Milk Production in the UK

  Growth in Exports for 2026: 9.0%

  Non-dairy milk sales are booming. Consumers are living by the health-is-wealth mantra and swapping traditional dairy milk with a high saturated fat content with plant-based alternatives. Plant-based beverages are hailed as more sustainable and appealing to the eco-warrior, using fewer resources (land, water and energy) and emitting lower greenhouse gases than traditional cow's milk.

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