The Food and Drink Federation is known for being the voice of the UK food and drink industry. The organisation is therefore representative of the largest manufacturing sector in the country. The food and drink industry accounts for around 19% of the total manufacturing sector for turnover and employ. The Federation works across the diverse sector, representing global brands as well as small businesses that are thriving.

One of the main roles of the Food and Drink Federation is to communicate with their members and then relay the values and concerns held by the market to the Government, regulators, consumers and the media. The Federation expressed their relief with the focus of Labour at their party Conference which took place in Brighton last week. The Opposition party has place emphasis on looking for a new industrial strategy that can be used for boosting the prosperity of the country. Following the announcements made at the Labour conference the Federation is looking forward to carrying on their conversations with the shadow Defra and BEIS teams.

The food and Drink manufacturing industry, as the largest manufacturing sector, is in the ideal position to develop skills and increase exports in the sector as well as exploring innovation that will allow the UK food and drink industry to continue to compete in the global market for the foreseeable future. With Brexit on the horizon it is important that the UK manufacturing industry is protected and has the ability to develop and flourish after Brexit.

The FDF discussed with the NFU at a joint fringe last Monday that businesses need time to prepare and plan for the new UK and EU relationship. This means that a proper transition period is vital in order to make sure that British consumers will have access to the highest quality, widest choice and best value of food and drink beverages available.