The FDF's activities on behalf of its members and the industry change over time to reflect the changing policy landscape. Nevertheless, food safety and science, environmental sustainability and the challenges around diet and health are long-standing themes.
In recent years, the UK's exit from the EU means that we have focused on issues around food and drink trade and access to labour as well as the regulatory future for UK food and drink.
As we look to the future, the role of innovation in increasing productivity is also becoming more and more important.
What we do
Business confidence
Business confidence significantly declined in Q3 2021, dropping 55 percentage points to its lowest level since Q2 2020
Trade
The FDF informs the Government’s trade and export policy priorities and provides advice to its members on trade policy and customs issues.
National Food Strategy
We are working with members and key stakeholders to inform the upcoming National Food Strategy (NFS) for England. This includes engagement on the independent review led by Henry Dimbleby and the Government white paper.
Environmental sustainability
The FDF is committed to creating a thriving and sustainable UK food and drink industry that acts responsibly for the benefit of society and the environment.
Diet and health
FDF members are committed to ensuring people have access to a wide range of food and drinks that can support a balanced lifestyle.
Action on Fibre
The FDF has launched our new Action on Fibre Commitment. Members signed up are committed to help bridge the gap between fibre intakes and the dietary recommendation.
Food information and regulatory assurance
To inform and protect consumers' interests in food, regulatory systems are in place to ensure that food law is applied across the food chain.
Food safety and science
Ensuring food is safe is our number 1 priority. The provision of safe, authentic and traceable food is of the highest importance to our sector.
Workforce and employment
Developing workforce skills, fair employment regulations, and ensuring access to labour is key for the Food and Drink Industry.
Incident prevention and management
The FDF is proactively engaged with members and regulators on incident prevention and horizon scanning for emerging issues, to inform industry’s own activity to maintain the assurance and integrity of its products and supply chains.
Innovation
Innovation is key to developing the food and drink of tomorrow, and underpinning many of our ambitions be they around sustainability, healthy diets or safety.
Supply chain fairness
The FDF works with the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) to promote business awareness of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP).
Sectors
Members facing similar issues can come together through a range of sector-focused groups.
Get involved
We organise seminars, briefings and workshops throughout the year. These are a great way to network with peers across the industry and share ideas and best practices.
We also facilitate events that allow our members to have a close dialogue with senior retailers and other important stakeholders.