Market Trends of United Kingdom Lime Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the UK Lime Market according to our research experts:
Rising Domestic Consumption Drives the Market
Lemons and limes are grown primarily for the fresh market, with the juice from lemons and limes used mostly as a flavoring in beverages. The most widely produced lime variety for fresh consumption is the Persian Lime. Its popularity is due to its seedless nature. The study says as economies start to westernize, more hotels are built which in turn means more lemons being used in water and cocktails. The United Kingdom does not produce lime since the geographic and climatic conditions of the region are not suitable for lime cultivation, so the United Kingdom lime market is an import-oriented market. The United Kingdom imports lemons from its neighboring nations in the European Union whenever there is a temporary shortage in the domestic market.
Import is Dominating the Market in Terms of Value
The United Kingdom is one of Europe's largest consumer markets for lemons. There are a lot of direct imports from producing countries. The use of lemons in producing countries such as Spain and Italy is generally high due to the processing industry. But in non-producing countries up north, the consumption of fresh lemons is gradually increasing as well. According to the International Trade Centre, In 2018, the overall import value of lime accounted for USD 196,741 thousand, up from USD 183,608 thousand in 2017, denoting the increase in the demand for lime in the country. Thus, it provides the opportunity for exporters like Spain, South Africa, Germany, Brazil, and the Netherland to sustain in the United Kingdom for a longer period among which Spain holds a major share of 60%. However, devaluation of the British pound may put pressure on price levels.
