Contents
| Introduction | Member services |
| 2023 highlights | How we operate |
| Our strategic objectives | How we are governed |
| Engagement and communications | Powering our nation into the next decade |
The Food & Drink Federation (FDF) is the trade association which represents food and drink manufacturers in the UK — the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, accounting for 23% of all manufacturing and contributing £38bn in Gross Value Added to the economy.
We represent our members on a wide range of issues, from nutrition to environmental sustainability, trade, packaging, employment and skills, food law, and food safety. We offer expert advice and support to our members on the one hand, and engage government, regulators, and other partners on behalf of our sector on the other.
Our members range from small start-ups and family-owned businesses to large multinational companies. Collectively, our members make the wide range of high-quality, delicious, nutritious, and affordable food and drink that people buy in shops, supermarkets and on-the-go right across the UK every day.
Our mission is to foster a business environment that enables our member companies — and the industry at large — to prosper and thrive, while also ensuring that collectively they play a constructive role in the economy and society, investing and growing in the communities in which they are based.
Read more about our highlights
Our strategic objectives
FDF’s 2022-27 Strategy sets out our five strategic priorities, as agreed with members:
- Growing a resilient industry in every part of the UK
- Building a sustainable food system
- Driving a circular economy
- Delivering a trusted food system
- Supporting balanced diets
Become a member to read more about our strategic objectives or existing members can log in below.
 |
Engaging with members, stakeholders in the wider industry and government is fundamental to everything we do, whether we are advocating, advising or supporting. This depends on a proactive, effective communications strategy based on a thorough understanding of our audiences and partners. In 2023 we launched the Powers Our Nation campaign to showcase food and drink as the UK’s biggest manufacturing sector. |
FDF hosts an extensive programme of events throughout the year. These include roundtables, breakfast meetings and networking events for members to deep dive on issues and convene experts to drive industry innovation and growth.
In 2023, 2,800 attendees benefited from the 55 webinars we held, covering topics that ranged from the cost-of-living crisis, packaging and changing consumer habits to EPR data collection and the role and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in food and drink.
We also host a series of flagship events and highlights industry calendar, including the FDF Awards, Industry Dinner, Parliamentary Summer and President’s Reception.
We publish regular reports, guidance and newsletters to keep members up to date on changes to regulation and the direction of travel on public policy.
Led by Chief Executive Karen Betts, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is organised into 12 teams providing expert advice and managing a wide variety of issues on behalf of the industry. FDF employs over 65 people across its bases in London, Edinburgh and Wales.
A core strength of FDF is its technical expertise and deep understanding of industry issues, as well its clear focus on the policy areas that have the biggest impact on the industry, which ensures we are well placed to deliver results for our members. All of which is led by our Leadership team and underpinned by Corporate Services, which ensures that operations are smooth and effective.
Read more about the Leadership Team
Our teams
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Read more about our Associations
The Board of Directors and Committee Structure
FDF’s Board of Directors is responsible to our members for the proper oversight of FDF’s management and its operations. This includes overseeing our finance, governance and people issues, as well as general oversight of FDF’s policy and issue-focussed work, ensuring this is in the interests of all our members.
FDF’s Board is chaired by our President. FDF’s President changes every two years and is rotated among member companies.
The President's Committee is attended by our most senior member company representatives and discusses FDF's policy positions and overall direction on key issues, within the framework of FDF’s Strategy. This includes making recommendations to the Board on the FDF business plan and agreeing the priority issues with FDF’s Chief Executive and leadership team.
Our members can play an active role in all areas of our work through our policy and technical committees and our SME CEO forum. Alongside our policy teams, they inform our President’s Committee and Board on FDF's Strategy and policy work.
Read more about our Board of Directors
Powering our nation into the next decade
Over the next ten years we intend to continue our ambitious work building a resilient, sustainable food and drink manufacturing sector in growth, that supports a prospering supply chain.
To do that, we need to partner with governments across the UK to tackle the challenges of today and embrace the opportunities of tomorrow, and to work together to drive change.
Over the coming Parliament, we want to ensure our industry is, as set out in our manifesto.
- Green & Adaptive — building a sustainable food system.
- Productive & growing — nurturing a resilient food and drink industry in every part of the UK.
- Nourishing & Innovative — supporting balanced diets and delivering a trusted food system.
How do I join?
Join today to take advantage of our invaluable support.
Contact us for an informal chat about how we could help your business and everything you need to know to get your membership up and running.
The membership year runs January - December and is pro-rata for joining at a mid-point in the year. Membership fees are based on your company’s UK turnover.
There is no better time to become an FDF member!