UK Food & Drink Payment Practices Lag National Average, Despite Some Strong Performers

The Numbers

• Companies analysed: 141
• Average PaymentCheck Score: 48.4/100
• UK average: 50.0/100 (Food And Drink is 1.6 points below)
• Top PaymentCheck Score: 91.27/100 (ECOM AGROTRADE LIMITED)
• Lowest PaymentCheck Score: 7.9/100 (PRINCIPAL CATERING CONSULTANTS LIMITED)

What Stands Out

The UK's Food and Drink sector's average payment performance in 2021, at 48.4/100, sits demonstrably below the national average of 50.0, signaling potential cash flow challenges for suppliers within the industry. The large disparity between the top and bottom payers, exemplified by a 83.37 point difference, highlights a significant inconsistency in payment ethics across the sector. Use our late payment calculator to determine potential penalties.

Best Payers

1. ECOM AGROTRADE LIMITED - 91.27/100
2. EAST AFRICA COFFEE CO. LLP - 90.5/100
3. CORNEY AND BARROW LIMITED - 89.29/100
4. MEADOW FOODS LIMITED - 88.72/100
5. JUSTERINI & BROOKS,LIMITED - 83/100

Worst Payers

1. PRINCIPAL CATERING CONSULTANTS LIMITED - 7.9/100
2. ABSOLUTELY CATERING LIMITED - 9.1/100
3. VACHERIN LIMITED - 10.1/100
4. TAYLOR SHAW LIMITED - 20.33/100
5. MELITTA UK LTD - 22.2/100

Regional Patterns

Regional data reveals considerable variation in payment performance, with companies in "Unknown" regions topping the charts at 69.1, while South West based firms underperform, averaging just 48.8, reflecting a more than 20 point difference. The capital, London, while not the worst, performs well at 58.2, outstripping the West Midlands (51.9) and North West (50.6). Although, it's worth noting the "unknown" region data should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size (3 companies).

Despite strong individual performers, the Food & Drink sector's overall 1.6 point deficit versus the UK average suggests a need for industry-wide improvement in payment practices to support supplier financial health.