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.

Unilever confirms talks with McCormick over Foods business

Unilever says it has received an inbound offer for its Foods division and is in discussions with McCormick, while emphasizing the unit’s strong performance and strategic value...

March 20, 2026

Palm oil strength builds on energy and China demand signals

Rising energy prices and stronger Chinese demand are pushing palm oil higher, with investors watching whether these trends can sustain the rally...

March 16, 2026

UK manufacturing momentum builds as export demand strengthens

UK manufacturing is showing early signs of stabilisation in 2026 as stronger export demand supports output growth despite continued cost pressures...

March 10, 2026

Dekel Agri-Vision sees production pick-up and strong prices in February update

Dekel Agri-Vision reported stronger palm oil output towards the end of February and continued firm CPO prices, while cashew processing resumed full capacity as the raw cashew nut purchasing season..

March 10, 2026

Palm oil rally highlights stronger biofuel demand and tightening market balance

Rising energy prices and stronger biodiesel economics are driving a renewed surge in palm oil demand and prices...

March 9, 2026

Hunting PLC Provides Cost Reduction Plan Update and Capital Allocation Changes

Hunting PLC announced an update to its cost reduction programme alongside changes to its capital allocation strategy. The company outlined measures aimed at improving efficiency and supporting long-term financial performance...

March 5, 2026

The Flooring Show positions sector leaders for commercial advantage

UK flooring trade exhibition showcasing suppliers and strengthening industry relationships, with Likewise maintaining an active commercial presence...

March 4, 2026

Palm oil pushes higher as energy and rival oils tighten the market

Palm oil has reached a one week high as strength in rival oils and energy markets sharpens investor focus on supply, policy and positioning...

March 2, 2026

Bunzl delivers modest revenue growth in 2025; outlook for stable 2026

Bunzl plc reported 3.0% revenue growth at constant exchange rates in 2025, driven by acquisitions, while adjusted operating profit declined 4.3% and margin fell to 7.7%...

March 2, 2026

UK manufacturing sector navigates structural shift in 2025

UK manufacturing added significant value in 2025 and entered 2026 with firmer order momentum, even as firms continued to streamline their workforces and manage cost pressures...

February 27, 2026

Palm oil finds support as global edible oil complex strengthens

Palm oil has rebounded alongside stronger soya oil and energy markets, signalling improving cross commodity support and renewed investor interest...

February 25, 2026

Likewise sets stage for enhanced profitability through 2026 pricing strategy

Likewise is strengthening margins and positioning for continued growth through targeted price increases and operational scale...

February 19, 2026

Vp plc Earnings Reset Reflects Market Headwinds, Says Equity Development

Vp plc resets earnings expectations amid market headwinds, with Equity Development highlighting recovery potential and attractive sub 10x valuation...

February 13, 2026

UK manufacturing rebounds as export demand and output accelerate

UK manufacturers begin 2026 with rising output and export demand, signalling an early-stage recovery in a rate-sensitive sector...

February 12, 2026

Coca-Cola HBC AG reports strong 2025 results with 8.1% organic revenue growth

Coca-Cola HBC AG delivered strong growth in 2025, with organic revenue up 8.1% and organic EBIT up 11.5%, driven by volume growth in Sparkling and Energy, disciplined revenue growth management,..

February 10, 2026

Dekel Agri-Vision sees early recovery as palm oil prices remain strong

Dekel Agri-Vision Plc reported improving palm oil production momentum in early February alongside continued strong crude palm oil prices...

February 10, 2026

Supply signals in focus as palm oil prices edge up

Palm oil prices are finding cautious support from exports and rival oils, but investors await fresh supply data to gauge direction...

February 9, 2026

C&C Group appoints Adam Phillips as Chief Financial Officer

C&C Group plc has announced the appointment of Adam Phillips to its Board as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director. Adam is expected to join the Company in April 2026,..

February 5, 2026

Palm oil strengthens as export growth boosts market outlook

Palm oil futures climb as Indian demand rises and export momentum strengthens, setting a firmer tone for early 2024...

February 4, 2026

Likewise’s Tony Brewer on accelerating growth, strong investment and £200m+ revenue ambition

CEO Tony Brewer highlights Likewise Group’s sustained revenue growth despite market headwinds, supported by shareholder backing, supplier partnerships, and expanding UK infrastructure...

February 4, 2026

News and Interview Alerts

Company Presentations

Cerillion plc Overview and Annual Results by CEO & CFO

Likewise Group Tony Brewer: Capturing beyond 10% of £2 billion flooring market (Video)

East Imperial Plc 2023 interims and strategic plans by Tony Burt, CEO

Valeura Energy Q2 2023 Results by Sean Guest CEO

Q&As

Ilika: Stereax revenue growth and Goliath opportunities ahead

11 August 2026

Likewise Group CEO discusses fundraising, capacity growth and revenue ambitions

4 August 2026

Ilika CEO highlights Stereax revenue growth and Goliath defence interest

4 August 2026

Real Estate Credit Investments maintains dividend as credit remains resilient

3 August 2026

Sintana Energy President outlines Uruguay seismic timeline and Argentina opportunity

30 July 2026

Hardman & Co

ICG Enterprise Trust: Investor questions answered and 1HFY’27 results

14 October 2026

Neuberger Private Equity Partners Limited 1H’26 results: Foot on the accelerator

8 October 2026

Chesnara Plc: Acquisitions show immediate benefits

2 September 2026

Arbuthnot Banking Group Plc 1H’26: accelerating franchise growth

4 August 2026

Real Estate Credit Investments maintains dividend as credit remains resilient

3 August 2026

Green News

Ferro-Alloy Resources appoints Peter Secker as CEO

26 October 2026

Ilika launches ORKA brand for deep-sea battery systems

22 October 2026

Drax Group Shares Offer Significant Valuation Upside as Data Centre Opportunity Remains Intact, Says Longspur Research

13 October 2026

Ampeak Energy Director Buys 500,000 shares in market purchase

6 October 2026

View all Sustainable sectors, Plcs and news >>

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Latest Interviews

James Cropper plc Lifts EBITDA 33% as Debt Falls Below One Times Earnings (video)

EDX Medical Group Targets More Than £2 Million From New Employee Health Screening Service (video)

Alien Metals’ Georgina Basin Move Opens a New Copper-Uranium Growth Front (video)

Oriole Resources Senala JV Unlocks Funded Drilling as Mbe Builds Scale in Cameroon (video)

Sintana Energy: A Fully Funded 10-Well Runway With Mopane Already Anchoring the Story (video)

Thor Energy PLC: Hydrogen Readings Jump 10x as HY-Range Moves Toward Drill Targets (video)

BrokerTalk

Valeura Energy Builds Cash Position as Bussabong Catalyst Approaches, Auctus Advisors

10 July 2026

Sintana Energy’s Atlantic Margin activity pipeline remains firmly in focus, says Cavendish

7 July 2026

Verici Dx FY25 results in line as Tutivia outlook strengthens, says Singer Capital Markets

6 July 2026

Ilika Plc capital raise supports Stereax launch and Goliath progress, says Cavendish

6 July 2026

CMC Markets upgraded to Buy as FY2027 outlook steps higher, Panmure Liberum

1 July 2026

Funds

Real Estate Credit Investments reports 10.5% dividend yield and £5m Spanish loan commitment

28 October 2026

City Natural Resources Growth and Income PLC

City Natural Resources Growth and Income reports 76.6% annual NAV return

28 October 2026

Volta Finance generates €38m in interest income with 1.8x dividend cover

22 October 2026

Geiger Counter highlights strong uranium market fundamentals and growing nuclear demand

21 October 2026

City Natural Resources Chairman Christopher Casey outlines Tufton’s investment strategy

21 October 2026

View all Funds, Market Insights and news >>

FTSE 100 News

Endeavour Mining to report Q3 2026 results on 12 November

14 October 2026

Rio Tinto maintains 2026 guidance as Oyu Tolgoi copper output rises 29%

14 October 2026

LSEG and NVIDIA accelerate historical market data analysis

14 October 2026

Balfour Beatty sells Gammon Construction stake for £250m

13 October 2026

UK Broker Ratings

Cranswick PLC (CWK.L) Stock Analysis: Evaluating a 20.73% Upside Potential in Packaged Foods

28 October 2026

Coats Group PLC (COA.L) Stock Analysis: Strong Buy Ratings and 45% Potential Upside

28 October 2026

Bellway PLC (BWY.L): An Investor’s Insight into Growth Potential with a 21% Revenue Surge

28 October 2026

Chemring Group PLC (CHG.L) Investor Outlook: Exploring a 14.74% Potential Upside in the Aerospace & Defense Sector

28 October 2026

Close Brothers Group PLC (CBG.L): Analyst Ratings Signal a 34.63% Potential Upside

28 October 2026

Consumer Defensive

Unilever confirms talks with McCormick over Foods business

Unilever says it has received an inbound offer for its Foods division and is in discussions with McCormick, while emphasizing the unit’s strong performance and strategic value...

March 20, 2026

Palm oil strength builds on energy and China demand signals

Rising energy prices and stronger Chinese demand are pushing palm oil higher, with investors watching whether these trends can sustain the rally...

March 16, 2026

UK manufacturing momentum builds as export demand strengthens

UK manufacturing is showing early signs of stabilisation in 2026 as stronger export demand supports output growth despite continued cost pressures...

March 10, 2026

Dekel Agri-Vision sees production pick-up and strong prices in February update

Dekel Agri-Vision reported stronger palm oil output towards the end of February and continued firm CPO prices, while cashew processing resumed full capacity as the raw cashew nut purchasing season commenced...

March 10, 2026

Palm oil rally highlights stronger biofuel demand and tightening market balance

Rising energy prices and stronger biodiesel economics are driving a renewed surge in palm oil demand and prices...

March 9, 2026

Hunting PLC Provides Cost Reduction Plan Update and Capital Allocation Changes

March 5, 2026

The Flooring Show positions sector leaders for commercial advantage

UK flooring trade exhibition showcasing suppliers and strengthening industry relationships, with Likewise maintaining an active commercial presence...

March 4, 2026

Palm oil pushes higher as energy and rival oils tighten the market

Palm oil has reached a one week high as strength in rival oils and energy markets sharpens investor focus on supply, policy and positioning...

March 2, 2026

Bunzl delivers modest revenue growth in 2025; outlook for stable 2026

Bunzl plc reported 3.0% revenue growth at constant exchange rates in 2025, driven by acquisitions, while adjusted operating profit declined 4.3% and margin fell to 7.7%...

March 2, 2026

UK manufacturing sector navigates structural shift in 2025

UK manufacturing added significant value in 2025 and entered 2026 with firmer order momentum, even as firms continued to streamline their workforces and manage cost pressures...

February 27, 2026

Palm oil finds support as global edible oil complex strengthens

Palm oil has rebounded alongside stronger soya oil and energy markets, signalling improving cross commodity support and renewed investor interest...

February 25, 2026

Likewise sets stage for enhanced profitability through 2026 pricing strategy

Likewise is strengthening margins and positioning for continued growth through targeted price increases and operational scale...

February 19, 2026

Vp plc Earnings Reset Reflects Market Headwinds, Says Equity Development

Vp plc resets earnings expectations amid market headwinds, with Equity Development highlighting recovery potential and attractive sub 10x valuation...

February 13, 2026

UK manufacturing rebounds as export demand and output accelerate

UK manufacturers begin 2026 with rising output and export demand, signalling an early-stage recovery in a rate-sensitive sector...

February 12, 2026

Coca-Cola HBC AG reports strong 2025 results with 8.1% organic revenue growth

Coca-Cola HBC AG delivered strong growth in 2025, with organic revenue up 8.1% and organic EBIT up 11.5%, driven by volume growth in Sparkling and Energy, disciplined revenue growth management, and continued investment in digital and AI capabilities...

February 10, 2026

Dekel Agri-Vision sees early recovery as palm oil prices remain strong

Dekel Agri-Vision Plc reported improving palm oil production momentum in early February alongside continued strong crude palm oil prices...

February 10, 2026

Supply signals in focus as palm oil prices edge up

Palm oil prices are finding cautious support from exports and rival oils, but investors await fresh supply data to gauge direction...

February 9, 2026

C&C Group appoints Adam Phillips as Chief Financial Officer

C&C Group plc has announced the appointment of Adam Phillips to its Board as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director. Adam is expected to join the Company in April 2026, succeeding Andrew Andrea, who will step down from the Board in March 2026...

February 5, 2026

Palm oil strengthens as export growth boosts market outlook

Palm oil futures climb as Indian demand rises and export momentum strengthens, setting a firmer tone for early 2024...

February 4, 2026

Likewise’s Tony Brewer on accelerating growth, strong investment and £200m+ revenue ambition

CEO Tony Brewer highlights Likewise Group’s sustained revenue growth despite market headwinds, supported by shareholder backing, supplier partnerships, and expanding UK infrastructure...

February 4, 2026