Introduction
The aim of this report is to investigate the importance of the food
manufacturing industry to the overall UK economy,
notably the manufacturing industries,
where relative economic decline in this country has caused some alarm. The
needs
of
the industry to maintain and enhance competitiveness are studied.
A similar exercise has been undertaken by the CIAA (Confederation of the Food
and Drink Industries of the European
Union) for the European food industry[1]. This emphasised the need for increased R&D activities and innovation
performance, developing a simpler and more proportionate EU regulatory
framework
and
ensuring sustainable and
competitive supplies of agricultural raw materials.
In the present report we study the UK context to determine whether the UK food
industry has specific issues and
needs. To this end we begin with a review of
literature and statistics to assess the importance of the industry and
its
performance in recent years. As well as the review of data sources and previous
reports
on the sector, a series
of in-depth interviews were undertaken with
senior
food
industry executives covering a range of company sizes
and types.
From all this research, trends and drivers of change in the food industry have
been identified and a SWOT (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)
analysis has been developed. Based on this we identify what industry
needs to
do
to
exploit its strengths, grasp emerging opportunities, avoid threats and
overcome
weaknesses. Issues
that should be addressed by industry, Government
or
both are
highlighted.
1 CIAA benchmarking report 2006: 'The competitiveness of the EU food and drink
industry', CIAA, Brussels, May 2006; and 2007 update report.
More Information
The information in this section is taken from 'Working for the UK: our contribution to the economy (pdf, 2.92Mb) full report ,
published by FDF in October 2007. The report includes over 20 tables of
statisitcs.
Last reviewed: 18 Feb 2008