China and the UK appear to have been fertile ground for food-industry M&A in recent months, according to an analysis of deal-making in the sector.

New figures released by GlobalData have shed light on the top locations for mergers and acquisitions in the food manufacturing industry.

China has seen the largest uptick in recent months. Among a select list of major companies tracked by GlobalData, China has seen eight deals announced over the last two complete quarters, up from an average of just four deals every six months between 2019 and 2021.

In the first quarter of 2022 itself, the data shows M&A activity was strongest in the UK, where six deals were announced among the firms tracked. That was down slightly from the seven transactions announced in the final three months of 2021.

In the US, among the companies tracked, there were 19 M&A transactions unveiled in the last two complete quarters.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

That's a decrease compared to the country’s average of 26 deals announced every six months between 2019 and 2021.

Globally, a total of 76 deals were announced in the last quarter, up from 73 deals in the previous quarter and from an average of 59 deals per quarter over the previous three years.

GlobalData's deals database

GlobalData tracks the performance and activities of more than 675,000 companies in over 200 countries around the world.

The data analytics firm's deals database includes the details of approximately one million deals, ranging from mergers and acquisitions to venture-capital financing, equity offerings and debt offerings.

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now