Report Overview

An increasing demand for locally grown and fresh vegetables and fruits, growing awareness regarding the benefits of hydroponics in terms of water and land conservation, and rising need for high-quality crops without the use of harmful pesticides or herbicides are propelling the growth of United Kingdom Hydroponics Market during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.

United Kingdom Hydroponics Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2029

The United Kingdom hydroponics market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.24% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029. The United Kingdom hydroponics market is growing steadily due to factors, such as farming practices becoming increasingly technologically advanced, a surge in demand for crops that would otherwise be impossible to cultivate on the country's soils. Due to longer harvest cycles compared to conventional agricultural methods, hydroponics technology produces higher yields, which will support the expansion of the United Kingdom hydroponics market during the forecast period. Also, expanding consumer demand for nutrient-dense, premium-quality products as well as increased public awareness of the need for organic and sophisticated food crops fuels the market growth.

United Kingdom Hydroponics Market - Overview

Hydroponics is a form of horticulture and a branch of hydroculture that grows plants in water-based nutrient solutions instead of soil. Plants that live on land or in water can have their roots in the nutrient-rich liquid or hold by a non-reactive medium like perlite, gravel, or other materials. Hydroponics has many benefits, such as saving water, producing more biomass and protein, and allowing plants to grow in extreme conditions or outer space. Hydroponics has various applications, such as the commercial cultivation of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and medicinal plants, as well as for scientific and educational purposes.

Growth Drivers

High Yield as Compared to Standard Farming Practices

The growing desire for sustainable and safe agricultural performance, as well as the superior yield of crops grown in hydroponic facilities over traditional farming, are the primary reasons driving the United Kingdom hydroponics market. Also, growing consumer demand for pesticide-free, organic food in tier-1 cities is propelling the expansion of institutions of hydroponics farms. The use of synthetic pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics is reduced by using hydroponic farming techniques, allowing the product to fulfill organic standards. The result of climatic changes can be stable with the help of these systems due to controlled ecological conditions, thereby not affecting annual crop production.

Restraints

Limitations and Challenges in the United Kingdom Hydroponics Market

One major restraint is the high initial investment required to set up a hydroponic system. This can make it difficult for small-scale growers to enter the market. Also, the lack of awareness and understanding of hydroponics among consumers and farmers may affect demand for the produce. Another challenge is the limited availability and high cost of specialized equipment and nutrients needed for hydroponic cultivation. This can make it difficult for growers to maintain profitability. Regulatory barriers and restrictions on the use of certain inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, may also pose challenges for hydroponic growers in the United Kingdom. Overall, addressing these limitations and challenges will be essential for the growth and success of the United Kingdom hydroponics market.

High Capital Expenditures for Large Hydroponic Farms

The main cost factors in a hydroponic farm are several types of equipment such HVAC systems, control systems, fans, ventilation, irrigation systems, rails, and lights. Farmers largely refrain from investing in these systems because of the high expense of early system setup. However, the advanced yield obtained from these systems and the product's ability to be marketed as a premium item help growers' return on investment.

Impact of COVID-19 on the United Kingdom Hydroponics Market

Many people now have a serious opinion about eating outdoors due to the severity of COVID-19 pandemic. The communities around the sphere have demonstrated a preference for home cooking and self-made/homemade meals, with health and food safety constituting the major focus. The hotel and food industries are now in danger as a result. The adoption rate of urban hydroponic agricultural systems is expected to rise significantly after the devastating coronavirus pandemic. During the initial stages of the pandemic, the agriculture sector encountered significant challenges. There were severe labor shortages on farms, some farmers missed their window of opportunity to harvest seasonal crops, agricultural product prices were falling, and logistics were disrupted.

 United Kingdom Hydroponics Market

Segmental Coverage

United Kingdom Hydroponics Market – By Type

On basis of type, the United Kingdom hydroponics market is divided into Aggregate Systems and Liquid Systems segments. When compared to liquid systems, simple models have been found to be more efficient and affordable. One of the primary barriers to this industry's growth is the high upfront cost associated with the installation of hydroponic systems. However, as all liquid systems function in a closed mode, which lowers the cost of nutrient solutions, the economics of liquid systems are thought to be feasible. Also, liquid systems exhibit higher productivity compared to closed models of aggregate systems; Therefore, the majority of growers have adopted liquid systems for the production of their crops.

United Kingdom Hydroponics Market – By Equipment

On the basis of equipment, the United Kingdom hydroponics market is divided into HVAC, LED Grow Light, Control Systems, and Irrigation Systems segments. HVAC, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, is critical in the development of indoor growers, as it is responsible for cooling, dehumidification, and maintaining the ideal temperature inside the facility. HVAC systems are critical for the functioning of hydroponic and aeroponic farms, and they must be dependable and well-controlled. Also, the system's economic costs relative to other equipment and utilities used in hydroponics are expected to rise as demand grows.

United Kingdom Hydroponics Market – By Input

On the basis of input, the United Kingdom hydroponics market is divided into Nutrient and Growth Media segments. During the forecast period, the nutrient segment is expected to record the fastest growth in the United Kingdom hydroponics market by input. Because hydroponic crops grow without soil, the need for peripheral nutrients is extremely high for hydroponic-based crops. With the increased use of soilless growing techniques in hydroponics, most crops are grown directly in the nutrient medium with the roots. This causes an increase in the need for nutrients in this business.

United Kingdom Hydroponics Market – By Farming Method

On the basis of farming method, the United Kingdom hydroponics market is bifurcated into Indoor and Outdoor segments.

United Kingdom Hydroponics Market – By Crop Type

By crop type, the United Kingdom hydroponics market is divided into Lettuce, Sweet Potato, Tomato, Cucumber, and Melon segments. The tomatoes segment leads the market by crop type. Tomatoes are the most widely grown hydroponically crops in the United Kingdom, owing to their rapid growth and low water requirements when compared to conventionally farmed tomatoes. For tomato hydroponic production, indoor farmers employ rock wool, perlite, or coconut coir as growing materials.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the United Kingdom hydroponics market include GrowUp Urban Farms Ltd., Jones Food Company, HydroGarden Wholesale Supplies Ltd., Indoor Harvest Corp., Pegasus Agriculture Group, Agricen, BrightFarms, Freight Farms, Green Sense Farms, and AeroFarms. The key strategies used by these market leaders are new product launches, mergers & acquisitions, and alliances. To grow their market share, these companies are also focusing on investing in innovations, collaborations, and expansions.

Recent Developments

• In December 2022 - Vertical Future, UK-based vertical farming technology and R&D company, expanded its presence to Singapore by forming a collaboration with Vertical Farm Systems (VFS), a company works on the SAVE Farming (Singapore Advanced VErtical Farming) project.

• In January 2021 - Vertical Future, a London, UK-based company specializing in vertical farming, announced its plans to implement its proprietary vertical farming system in the Middle East.

Scope of the Report

By Type

• Aggregate Systems

• Liquid Systems

By Equipment

• HVAC

• LED Grow Light

• Control Systems

• Irrigation Systems

• Others

By Input

• Nutrient

• Growth Media

By Farming Method

• Indoor 

• Outdoor

By Crop Type

• Lettuce

• Sweet Potato

• Tomato

• Cucumber

• Melon

• Others