UK-linked billionaires whose wealth comes from energy and food production have seen their fortunes soar since 2022, according to a new analysis. This period coincides with a global cost of living crisis, driven by rising energy and food prices.
Families whose wealth originated from energy grew their fortunes four times faster than their super-rich counterparts since 2022. Those whose wealth came from food production increased their wealth three times faster over the same period.
The Perrodo family, who control Perenco, one of Europe's largest privately held oil and gas companies, top a list of 15 UK-linked families. Their wealth has reportedly increased by approximately £3bn in the past four years. Other notable families include the Warburtons, whose wealth rose by £185m, and Iceland supermarket founder Malcolm Walker, whose fortune grew by £106m.
Ranjit Singh Boparan and his wife, whose companies are said to produce a third of all poultry products eaten in the UK, reportedly tripled their wealth since 2022 to over £2bn. The analysis, commissioned by the antipoverty charity War on Want, found that increases in wealth for these families occurred alongside increased profit margins at their businesses.
Energy prices in August 2026 were 31% higher for gas and 17% higher for electricity compared to January 2020. UK food prices collectively rose by 38.6% between November 2020 and November 2025.
War on Want is advocating for the government to set an upper wealth limit of £10m, introduce an annual wealth tax on assets exceeding £10m, and collaborate with foreign governments on global extreme wealth taxation.