The fresh produce sector is heading towards further consolidation in the coming 12 months, according to market researchers Grant Thornton.
The analysts said suppliers of fruit and vegetables are the most likely to experience consolidation within the UK food industry.
The company conducted the research in conjunction with Inflexion Private Equity and Axis Managing Consulting.
It also identified prepared salads as a sector likely to face a shake-up over the next year.
David Cockburn, director at Grant Thornton Corporate Finance, said: "There are today only four food companies listed in the FTSE top 100. As a series of external factors such as demographic changes, retailer price pressures and increased competition from overseas imports make themselves felt, food suppliers are having to make their business strategies increasingly innovative and cost effective."
The company said the fruit and veg market accounted for sales of around £5.9 billion in the year to April.
