Europe’s biggest music manufacturing agency reveals vinyl units produced grew by 50% in the first half of 2025

London, UK, 17th June, 2025: Key Production, Europe’s largest physical music manufacturing agency, reveals through company data that the growth in demand for vinyl is continuing apace with new, even younger audiences engaging.

From January-May this year, Key Production’s vinyl manufactured orders grew by 50%, compared to the same period in 2024. Data shows that the average order quantity of vinyl has increased by 41% per individual order. Key Production provides manufacturing services primarily to the independent sector meaning that this data shows that vinyl consumption growth is not limited to and goes beyond the major label big releases.

This aligns with the trend seen in record stores over 2024 and into 2025¹. In January, the BPI reported that purchases of physical music in 2024 showed positive year-on-year growth (1.4%) for the first time in two decades, led by a 17th consecutive annual rise in vinyl album sales (9.1%) and a marked slowing in the decline in demand for CD (-2.9%)². Record Store Day in April this year was the largest and most successful yet in the annual event’s 18 year history³. Marrying an increase in orders, production and off the shelf sales - it forecasts for vinyl to grow even further.

While Generation Z (17-28 year-olds), has played a pivotal role in this resurgence and driving physical sales, recent consumer research by Key Production revealed that interest in physical music is extending beyond Generation Z with Generation Alpha (1-16 year-olds) now embracing physical music too - listening to vinyl, CDs and cassettes.

Research of over 2,000 respondents across the UK⁴, found that nearly half (46 per cent) of Generation Alpha are listening to physical music. The findings also revealed that over half (53 per cent) of Gen A know how to use a CD player, with 46 per cent of parents confirming that their child or children of up to 18 years-old listen to CDs. Furthermore, when asked about vinyl, nearly 4 in 10 (38 per cent) parents said that their child listens to vinyl, with 36 per cent of them saying that they can use a record player.

Karen Emanuel, CEO of Key Production and Music Week’s Businesswoman Of The Year, said, “In an age dominated by streaming, it’s the younger generations who are continuing to drive the demand for physical music. Vinyl is more popular than ever, and it’s clear here there’s an appetite for CDs — fuelled by youthful enthusiasm. For many of these young listeners, physical music offers something digital formats can’t: a sense of authenticity, ownership, and emotional connection. It turns music into a tangible experience—something to hold, display, collect, and connect with on a deeper level. It is more than a passing trend; it reflects a deeper cultural shift. Physical music is no longer considered a relic of the past—it’s firmly part of the future, and it’s here to stay.”

Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of UK record labels association, the BPI, said: “The BPI’s own analysis of market trends supports these latest findings in highlighting the enduring appeal of recorded music across all formats and with all generations. It’s wonderful to see the next wave of music fans already developing a love of vinyl and an appreciation of CD, that, sitting alongside streaming, is part of the amazing choice in music discovery and listening that we now all enjoy as dedicated fans.”

Key Production is a certified B Corp and works with music industry bodies ensuring the best practices for sustainability within physical music production are met throughout the whole supply chain. Founded in 1990, the company which has offices in London, Brighton and Sheffield, is known for its work with artists such as Oasis, Nick Cave, Alt-J, IDLES, Little Simz, Ezra Collective, PJ Harvey and Raye on her BRIT Award winning album - amongst many more.

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