News article
20 November 2019
Next UK Government must build on existing links to champion great national success story
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FDF has issued the following press notice:
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has today launched its manifesto. It calls on the next UK Government to champion the nation's food and
drink sector, and support long-standing industry proposals to boost the
thriving
sector's productivity.
The food and drink manufacturing industry is a national success story with a
powerful heritage. It
employs over 450,000 people throughout the UK and is worth more than £31
billion
to the economy.
FDF's manifesto outlines five key policies the next Government must implement to
ensure the
industry continues to thrive, supporting the considerable contribution it makes
socially, culturally and
economically to communities throughout the country. They are:
- Prioritise the closest possible UK-EU trade and regulatory relationship;
- Tackle obesity and other dietary concerns through an holistic, evidence-based
partnership
which reflects real lifestyles;
- Support efforts to make food production and consumption more environmentally
sustainable,
and help tackle climate change;
- Work with industry to develop home-grown talent and boost skills to equip the
industry for its
future; and,
- Drive productivity with the Food and Drink Sector Council the leading vehicle
for partnership
with Government.
The food and drink manufacturing industry sits at the heart of the UK's £121
billion food supply
chain. Together, the it produces, packages, distributes and sells a wide range
of food and drink at
every price point, more than ever before, in every corner of the UK.
To ensure resilience in the UK food system, the industry must remain competitive
and improve
productivity. Resilience underpins the efforts of the industry, ensuring it can
provide affordable food to
consumers and shoppers. It allows businesses within the sector to invest in
better jobs, to innovate,
and improve sustainability.
UK food and drink possesses an unrivalled reputation overseas for quality and
provenance,
supported by high environmental and safety standards. But with just one in five
food and drink
businesses exporting, there remains much untapped potential within the sector.
The next
Government must work with industry to create a dedicated future trade policy
that builds on this
fantastic opportunity while preserving our status as world-leaders for quality
and choice.
FDF Chief Executive, Ian Wright CBE said:
“We know the next Government – of whatever political hue – will want to tackle
the issues
of productivity, obesity and plastic packaging. To do that successfully, it
will
need to work effectively
with the industry and the FDF.
“The food and drink manufacturing industry touches every person, every community
and
every constituency in the country. It's the UK's largest manufacturing
industry.
Its success is integral
to the country's wider economic prosperity, with an impact far beyond London
and
the South East.
“Strategic partnerships with government, including the Food and Drink Sector
Council, have
been long over-due but are finally delivering. The next administration must
seize upon this once in a
generation opportunity to develop these relationships and build the food and
drink industry our
people demand and deserve.”
More Information
Contact Megan Bevan, Corporate Affairs Division, at: Megan.Bevan@fdf.org.uk, or 07946 340 998.
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