Consumer Defensive

Companies involved in the manufacture of food and beverages, household and personal care products, packaging and tobacco. The sector also includes firms providing education and training services. UK‑listed companies in this sector include Unilever plc, Diageo plc, Associated British Foods plc, Imperial Brands plc, Smurfit Kappa plc and Pearson plc.

Likewise Group builds momentum ahead of next growth phase

Likewise Group reports stronger trading, new capacity projects and a five-year strategy focused on continued expansion and improved margins...

June 17, 2026

Frasers Group launches all-cash takeover offer for Accent Group shares

Frasers Group has announced an all-cash on-market takeover offer for Accent Group shares not already held, at A$0.65 per share...

June 15, 2026

Likewise builds capacity for next stage of UK flooring expansion

Likewise Group is expanding its distribution and delivery capacity as it targets a larger share of the UK floorcoverings market and the ability to exceed £250 million in annual sales..

June 11, 2026

Grafton Group to outline medium-term growth ambitions at investor event

Grafton will brief analysts and investors on its strategy, medium-term growth ambitions and financial framework at a London event today...

June 11, 2026

Dekel Agri-Vision reports strong May palm oil production growth

Dekel Agri-Vision said May CPO production at its Ayenouan palm oil operation rose 31.9% year on year, supported by higher fruit processing and an improved extraction rate, while cashew processing..

June 10, 2026

British American Tobacco confirms 2026 guidance as New Category growth accelerates

British American Tobacco says it remains on track to deliver full-year 2026 guidance, supported by stronger U.S. performance, accelerating New Category revenue growth, and continued momentum for Velo...

June 2, 2026

Likewise Group reports 16.5% revenue growth, sales growth up 19.1%

Likewise Group plc reports further progress, with year-to-date revenue up 16.5%, May sales up 19.1%, and ongoing investment in distribution capacity, fleet expansion, and operational infrastructure...

June 2, 2026

UK manufacturing output rises more than expected in March

UK manufacturing output rose more than expected in March 2026, with gains across most subsectors giving investors a clearer sign of improved industrial momentum...

June 1, 2026

Palm oil futures extend weekly gains

Palm oil futures posted a second weekly gain as investors weighed biodiesel demand, Indonesian policy risk and rival edible oil prices...

June 1, 2026

Applied Nutrition upgrades FY26 outlook and expands US manufacturing

June 1, 2026

Likewise adds logistics capacity as it builds for larger-scale distribution

Likewise Group’s £3 million Yorkshire distribution centre investment adds logistics capacity, strengthens supply chain control and supports its longer-term revenue growth strategy...

May 29, 2026

Greencore reports strong first half after Bakkavor acquisition

Greencore delivered 3.2% pro forma UK revenue growth and 15.3% growth in pro forma adjusted operating profit in H1 2026, following the acquisition of Bakkavor in January...

May 27, 2026

Palm oil gains as crude oil and currency moves support prices

Palm oil prices rose as stronger crude oil and a weaker ringgit supported the market, while weaker export data kept demand risks in focus...

May 26, 2026

Likewise CEO Tony Brewer on supply chain, growth and logistics investment

Likewise Group CEO Tony Brewer outlines how the company is managing supply pressures, investing in logistics capacity, and building on strong sales growth into 2026...

May 20, 2026

Likewise adds second Yorkshire distribution centre

Likewise has bought a second Yorkshire distribution centre for £3m to increase capacity, improve logistics planning and support future growth...

May 18, 2026

Palm oil prices gain as market drivers turn supportive

Palm oil futures rose as stronger rival oils, firmer crude and a weaker ringgit outweighed softer Malaysian export data...

May 18, 2026

UK-made demand builds investor interest in manufacturing

Rising demand for British-made goods is improving the investment case for UK manufacturers with clear domestic production credentials...

May 15, 2026

Reckitt hosting “Focus On: Digital Science” investor seminar today

May 14, 2026

Likewise builds scale as flooring market opportunity expands

Likewise Group is expanding capacity, improving margins and investing in its UK distribution platform as it targets further revenue growth...

May 12, 2026

Imperial Brands maintains FY26 guidance after mixed first half

Imperial Brands delivered higher adjusted earnings and strong cash generation in the first half of 2026, with continued growth in next generation products and ongoing share buybacks. The company said..

May 12, 2026

News and Interview Alerts

Company Presentations

Q&As

Oriole Resources CEO Martin Rosser highlights limestone optionality in Cameroon

29 June 2026

Dr Allan Syms on Cizzle Biotechnology’s CIZ1B US accreditation

22 June 2026

NB Private Equity Partners: Future realisations supported by resilient portfolio growth

15 June 2026

Oriole Resources CEO Martin Rosser highlights resource growth potential at Mbe gold project

15 June 2026

Criterium Energy set for potential gas-led inflection point (TSX:CEQ)

15 June 2026

Hardman & Co

Cavendish plc: Solid performance in still tough markets

30 June 2026

Cavendish plc delivers solid performance in tough markets

24 June 2026

ICG Enterprise Trust FY’26 results: look to future realisations

11 June 2026

NB Private Equity Partners 2025 results: Looking to future realisations

29 May 2026

Chesnara Plc: Showing good operational progress

17 April 2026

Green News

Quadrise plc launches proposed fundraise to support commercial trials and growth

8 July 2026

Ilika raises £4.56m in oversubscribed placing and subscription

3 July 2026

Ilika launches Retail Offer to raise up to £0.5 Million

3 July 2026

Net Zero Infrastructure appoints Clear Capital Markets as broker

1 July 2026

View all Sustainable sectors, Plcs and news >>

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Latest Interviews

ICG Enterprise Trust PLC: Mark Thomas Sees Exit Momentum Building As Defensive Growth Starts To Bite (video)

Oriole Resources Wapouzé Could Turn Limestone into a Funding Lever for Cameroon Gold Growth (video)

Cizzle Biotechnology US Launch Opens the Door to Lung Cancer Test Royalties (video)

NB Private Equity Partners: Why Hardman Sees The Exit Window Opening Again (video)

Oriole Resources: Mbe Step-Out Drilling Sets Up a Bigger Resource Moment (video)

Criterium Energy: Two Months From a Cash Flow Shift That Could Reframe the Entire Project (video)

BrokerTalk

Time Finance continues profitable growth highlighted in latest research note from Cavendish

29 June 2026

Likewise AGM Statement Shows Revenue Momentum Continuing Into H2, says Zeus

26 June 2026

XP Factory’s Escape Hunt Pivot Sets a Firmer Base, Edison

22 June 2026

Finsbury Growth & Income Trust: Board action puts shareholder value in focus

15 June 2026

Norcros plc Strengthens European Growth Plans as Equity Development Retains 400p Fair Value

15 June 2026

Funds

Biotech Growth Trust: The biotech rebound powered by innovation, valuations and pharma’s patent cliff

8 July 2026

TEAM plc completes acquisition of EPIC Book

1 July 2026

Geiger Counter reports 21.6% NAV increase in interim results

30 June 2026

Fidelity China Special Situations outperforms amid China’s tech revival (LON: FCSS)

30 June 2026

Fidelity Asian Values sees investors rotate into Asian small-cap value

30 June 2026

View all Funds, Market Insights and news >>

FTSE 100 News

Centrica confirms Sizewell B life extension deal to 2055

9 July 2026

AstraZeneca and Ionis’ Wainua misses Phase III ATTR-CM trial endpoint

9 July 2026

Unite Group reiterates FY2026 earnings guidance as student reservations rise

8 July 2026

Halma expands healthcare portfolio with Dreampath acquisition

7 July 2026

UK Broker Ratings

FirstGroup PLC (FGP.L) Stock Report: Exploring a 40.91% Potential Upside and Robust Dividends

7 July 2026

Goodwin PLC ORD 10P (GDWN.L) Stock Analysis: Strong Revenue Growth Amidst Uncertain Valuation

7 July 2026

Chemring Group PLC (CHG.L) Stock Analysis: Aerospace & Defense Leader with 10.22% Potential Upside

7 July 2026

Alfa Financial Software Holdings (ALFA.L) Stock Analysis: A 66.34% Upside Potential Beckons Investors

7 July 2026

Hilton Food Group (HFG.L) Stock Analysis: Exploring a 27.59% Upside Potential for Investors

7 July 2026

Consumer Defensive

Likewise Group builds momentum ahead of next growth phase

Likewise Group reports stronger trading, new capacity projects and a five-year strategy focused on continued expansion and improved margins...

June 17, 2026

Frasers Group launches all-cash takeover offer for Accent Group shares

Frasers Group has announced an all-cash on-market takeover offer for Accent Group shares not already held, at A$0.65 per share...

June 15, 2026

Likewise builds capacity for next stage of UK flooring expansion

Likewise Group is expanding its distribution and delivery capacity as it targets a larger share of the UK floorcoverings market and the ability to exceed £250 million in annual sales revenue...

June 11, 2026

Grafton Group to outline medium-term growth ambitions at investor event

Grafton will brief analysts and investors on its strategy, medium-term growth ambitions and financial framework at a London event today...

June 11, 2026

Dekel Agri-Vision reports strong May palm oil production growth

Dekel Agri-Vision said May CPO production at its Ayenouan palm oil operation rose 31.9% year on year, supported by higher fruit processing and an improved extraction rate, while cashew processing remained stable...

June 10, 2026

British American Tobacco confirms 2026 guidance as New Category growth accelerates

June 2, 2026

Likewise Group reports 16.5% revenue growth, sales growth up 19.1%

June 2, 2026

UK manufacturing output rises more than expected in March

UK manufacturing output rose more than expected in March 2026, with gains across most subsectors giving investors a clearer sign of improved industrial momentum...

June 1, 2026

Palm oil futures extend weekly gains

Palm oil futures posted a second weekly gain as investors weighed biodiesel demand, Indonesian policy risk and rival edible oil prices...

June 1, 2026

Applied Nutrition upgrades FY26 outlook and expands US manufacturing

Applied Nutrition expects FY26 revenue of about £148m, excluding its Nutrablend acquisition, and has acquired a US manufacturing facility in Buffalo, New York. The group also announced a North American flavour collaboration with Mondelēz International for SOUR PATCH KIDS® and SWEDISH FISH® branded sports nutrition products...

June 1, 2026

Likewise adds logistics capacity as it builds for larger-scale distribution

Likewise Group’s £3 million Yorkshire distribution centre investment adds logistics capacity, strengthens supply chain control and supports its longer-term revenue growth strategy...

May 29, 2026

Greencore reports strong first half after Bakkavor acquisition

Greencore delivered 3.2% pro forma UK revenue growth and 15.3% growth in pro forma adjusted operating profit in H1 2026, following the acquisition of Bakkavor in January...

May 27, 2026

Palm oil gains as crude oil and currency moves support prices

Palm oil prices rose as stronger crude oil and a weaker ringgit supported the market, while weaker export data kept demand risks in focus...

May 26, 2026

Likewise CEO Tony Brewer on supply chain, growth and logistics investment

Likewise Group CEO Tony Brewer outlines how the company is managing supply pressures, investing in logistics capacity, and building on strong sales growth into 2026...

May 20, 2026

Likewise adds second Yorkshire distribution centre

Likewise has bought a second Yorkshire distribution centre for £3m to increase capacity, improve logistics planning and support future growth...

May 18, 2026

Palm oil prices gain as market drivers turn supportive

Palm oil futures rose as stronger rival oils, firmer crude and a weaker ringgit outweighed softer Malaysian export data...

May 18, 2026

UK-made demand builds investor interest in manufacturing

Rising demand for British-made goods is improving the investment case for UK manufacturers with clear domestic production credentials...

May 15, 2026

Reckitt hosting “Focus On: Digital Science” investor seminar today

Reckitt will host its latest “Focus On” investor seminar, highlighting how its digital and R&D teams use proprietary data, predictive science and generative AI to accelerate innovation and productivity. The event begins at 15:00 BST and will be led by Chief R&D Officer Angela Naef, alongside senior finance, technology and AI leaders...