The FDF's core strength is in its technical expertise and deep understanding of industry issues.
Led by Chief Executive Karen Betts, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is organised into seven teams providing expert advice and managing a wide variety of issues on behalf of the industry.
The FDF employs over 65 people across its bases in London, Edinburgh and Wales.
A core strength of the 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.
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Our teams
Regulation and science
Ensuring food is safe, authentic and correctly labelled is critical to every food business. The FDF helps keep members up to date on the latest scientific and legislative developments across a range of technical areas including food labelling; allergens; microbiology; food contact materials; genetic and nano technologies; additive, residue and contaminant levels. We also work closely with regulators to identify emerging food safety issues.
Diet and health
Our companies are committed to ensuring people have access to a wide range of food and drinks that can support a balanced lifestyle. The FDF team supports companies navigate government reformulation programmes, nutrition labelling requirements and marketing restrictions. We also proactively promote the positives; from increasing fibre, to selling more fruit and vegetables to community programmes.
Industry growth
The UK food and drink industry is operating in an increasingly global context and to stay competitive it must be constantly innovating. The FDF provides advice to its members on trade and customs issues as well as developing workforce skills, fair employment regulations and ensuring access to labour. The FDF's economic analysis is a key avenue for ensuring the economic importance of the sector is widely recognised.
Sustainability
A sustainable UK food and drink manufacturing industry is vital to securing a food system fit for future generations. By reducing CO2 emissions and water use, as well as working across the value chain to create a circular economy for plastics and packaging and to eliminate food waste, we are tackling the environmental challenges we face. The FDF's Ambition 2025 and Roadmap to Net Zero outlines how the sector is contributing to deliver our Net Zero goals.
Corporate affairs
The corporate affairs team leads engagement with the FDF’s key audiences in government, politics and the media making sure that policy and decision-makers understand the priorities and views of our members.
By running an active programme of engagement in parliament we ensure MPs and Peers have the best information on the food and drink industry. We also provide the secretariat for the All-party parliamentary group on food and drink.
We give regular comment and analysis to the media, bringing to life the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.
Communications & Membership
We membership team ensure that all of our members receive the support and guidance needed to run their businesses effectively.
The communications team oversees all communications both to members and externally, as well as our website and digital plaforms.
We give regular comment and analysis to the media, bringing to life the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.
Scotland
FDF Scotland - a division of the FDF – was established in 1999 to ensure our members views and concerns are heard by the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government, other policy makers and the media. We work with policy and communications experts from across the FDF to help members navigate the Scottish policy landscape and to ensure they are up-to-date with the key developments that may have an impact on their business.
Wales
FDF Cymru is the Welsh division of the Food and Drink Federation. We make sure our members' views are heard by the Welsh Government and in the Senedd Cymru, as well as by relevant policy makers in the UK Government, including the Wales Office, so they are able to provide an environment in which the sector can thrive.
Associations and groups
The associations and groups team bring together and support the work of companies on sector specific issues. FDF members can join these sector groups or associations to stay better connected on technical and regulatory issues and with other members in their specialised industry.
We provide secretariat to each association and group who all have their own committee meetings that run throughout the year. We provide regular updates and information on focused matters of interest to our members.
Corporate services
The corporate services team ensures the smooth and effective operations of the FDF. The team provides finance, HR, IT and facility services.
The team supports all FDF teams both in our head office in London and Edinburgh as well as our colleagues in Wales and other external associations.
The team is responsible for our flagship events including the FDF Awards and also run our busy programme of topic based events, training and podcasts.
Work for us
FDF is a great place to work. Our work gives our employees an opportunity to produce career-defining and agenda setting work. The FDF’s teams are based in London, Edinburgh and Wales.
FDF values
Our core values are at the heart of everything we do. Our employees regularly evaluate themselves against a behaviour framework that underpins these values.
- Excellence - We are 'can do', creative, continuously learning and making a positive difference.
- Inclusive - We are one team across the UK that collaborates and supports one another.
- Partnerships - We build strong partnerships, including with industry, Government and stakeholders, to deliver better and more sustainable outcomes.
- Integrity - We behave ethically, honestly and transparently, and deliver on commitments to each other and to our members.