Existing clients

Log in to your client extranet for free matter information, know-how and documents.

Client login

Staff

Mills & Reeve system for employees.

Staff Login

The food and agribusiness outlook 2026

Exploring key insights from the food and agribusiness sector.

The food and agribusiness outlook 2026 explores how businesses across the sector are navigating an increasingly complex operating environment.

What is shaping the future of food and agribusiness?

Our latest research shows that uncertainty is driving a sharper, more commercially focused approach to decision-making.

Drawing on views from across the sector, the outlook examines the priorities shaping investment and long-term planning, including productivity, technology, workforce pressures, supply chain resilience and succession.

Explore the 2026 outlook

See how food and agribusinesses are responding to change and planning for what comes next.

Six key findings

Tax and compliance costs are reshaping investment.

AI and agritech are being driven by the search for efficiency.

Food security extends far beyond the farm gate.

Regulatory change will create different winners and losers.

Succession planning is about preserving choice, not just tax.

The future consumer may be changing faster than businesses realise.

Beyond the research

In this webinar, our specialists put the findings into a wider context, considering how political and economic developments could affect food and agribusinesses.

The discussion included the Autumn Budget and what the latest announcements could mean in practice.

  • Michael Aubrey in a blue shirt and tie, in front of a grey background

    What comes through strongly from the findings is a sector that continues to adapt. Businesses are dealing with significant pressures, but they are also looking carefully at where to invest, how technology can improve productivity and how to build greater resilience for the future.

    Michael Aubrey
    Agriculture Partner and Joint Head of Food and Agribusiness Sector, Mills & Reeve
  • Craig Hodgson in a grey suit and tie, in front of a pale background

    Success will increasingly depend on making deliberate choices about where investment and management attention can have the greatest impact, while retaining the flexibility to respond as conditions change.

    Craig Hodgson
    Corporate Partner and Joint Head of Food and Agribusiness Sector, Mills & Reeve

Get in touch

If you would like to talk to one of our experts, please get in touch.

Contact us

Our team is made up of food, beverage and agricultural solicitors with deep understanding of the concerns of your sector and are experts who work exclusively for food and agribusiness companies.

Food and agribusiness blog

Our food and agribusiness law blog covers all legal aspects of the sector.

Join the conversation

Follow our food and agribusiness LinkedIn page for the latest sector insights, updates and perspectives.

Our sector expertise

Discover how we support businesses across the sector and explore our latest insights.

Related sectors and services