Powering Communities Across the UK

Food & drink manufacturing contributes £37bn to the UK economy

The UK’s food and drink manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of our national economy and a vital part of communities across every region of the country.

This report showcases the contribution of the economy to every region and nation of the UK, pulling together statistics and case studies which demonstrate the industry’s impact.

As the UK’s largest manufacturing industry, we contribute £37 billion to the economy and provide employment for nearly 500,000 people through more than 12,000 businesses.

Our presence stretches from bustling cities to rural towns, creating jobs, driving investment, and delivering the products that millions of people enjoy every day.

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Food & drink across the UK

Follow our Powering Communities report across the UK to learn about the economic impact of food & drink manufacturing and the work of our members.

East of England

With a £2.6bn GVA, the East of England is a leader in sugar, malt, poultry, and cider production. Major businesses such as British Sugar, Colman’s, and Greene King drive economic growth, while Nomad Foods’ Lowestoft site stands as the area’s largest private employer, specialising in frozen foods. Local specialities like Suffolk cider and Norfolk black turkey highlight the region’s deep-rooted food heritage, reinforcing its longstanding role in the UK’s food and drink industry.

Nomad Foods

London

London’s food sector, valued at £3.2bn, is the city’s largest manufacturing industry, balancing tradition with cutting edge innovation. The sector includes historic brands like Tate & Lyle Sugars, refining cane sugar since 1878, alongside a dynamic startup ecosystem fostering sustainable food solutions. From pie and mash to salt beef bagels, London’s diverse culinary history continues to shape its thriving food scene.

Tate & Lyle Sugars

South East

Generating £3.9bn in GVA, the South East leads in beverages, bakery, and premium foods. The region supports a rich culinary landscape. Kentish ale, Sussex Pond Pudding, and artisan cheeses are local favourites, while Ashford’s Premier Foods site drives innovation by reformulating classic brands like Batchelors soups and Bisto gravies to meet modern consumer demands.

Premier Foods and Mars

South West

With a £2.5bn GVA, the South West is known for dairy, cider, and seafood. Coleford is home to Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I’s factory which produces 800 million soft drinks annually. The area is famed for iconic products such as Cornish pasties Cheddar cheese and scones, reflecting the region’s historical contributions to the UK’s food and drink sector.

Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I

East Midlands

The East Midlands food and drink manufacturing sector contributes £4.2bn to the UK economy. Industry giants like Weetabix and Müller drive innovation, while PepsiCo’s Walkers, founded in Leicester in 1948, remains an iconic British brand. The region’s food heritage is reflected in products like Stilton cheese, Melton Mowbray pork pies, and Bakewell tarts, securing its position in the UK’s food landscape.

PepsiCo & Weetabix

West Midlands

The West Midlands’ £2.4bn food industry is anchored by snacks and beverages. Mondelez and Marston’s are key industry players, with Bournville remaining a global R&D hub for chocolate. The region’s food heritage includes Cadbury Dairy Milk and the Balti, while ongoing investments in sustainable production and skills training ensure continued growth.

Mondelēz International and Britvic

Yorkshire & the Humber

Yorkshire’s £3.8bn food sector is home to major firms like Nestlé, HARIBO, and KP snacks. HARIBO’s Pontefract and Castleford sites continue the region’s confectionery tradition, dating back to Pontefract cakes in 1767. Yorkshire Pudding, Wensleydale cheese, and Parkin showcase the area’s culinary legacy.

Nestlé & Haribo

North East

With a £600m GVA, the North East specialises in seafood, brewing, and baked goods. Major employers like Greggs and Quorn balance tradition with innovation, while KP Snacks’ Billingham site produces nearly 1 billion packets annually, demonstrating the region’s expertise in crisp production. Local staples like stottie cake and pease pudding reflect its rich food heritage.

KP Snacks

North West

The North West’s £4.4bn food industry excels in dairy, bakery, and soft drinks. Home to major firms like Kellanova and Warburtons, the region has a strong legacy in food innovation. Carr’s, dating back to 1831, pioneered biscuit production and remains a market leader. Famous for Lancashire Hotpot and Eccles Cakes, the region continues to invest in research and development, ensuring its status as a key player in the UK food industry.

pladis

Scotland

Scotland’s £5.2bn food and drink sector is renowned for whisky, dairy, and bakery products. Nestlé’s Girvan factory produces chocolate crumb for KitKats and Yorkies, using locally sourced Ayrshire milk. Scotch whisky, Scottish Seafood and Scotch Beef contribute to Scotland’s strong export market, while investment in regenerative farming and sustainability secures its future as a leader in highquality food production.

Nairn's

Wales

Wales’ £1.7bn food industry supports thousands jobs, combining heritage with modern manufacturing. The region is famous for Welsh Cakes, Bara Brith, and Welsh Lamb, while Kellanova’s Wrexham factory, Europe’s largest cereal site, recently received a £75m investment to drive innovation.

Kellanova
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Ingredients for Growth: Driving growth in food & drink manufacturing

Our sector faces both challenges and opportunities. We need the right strategic framework to drive:

  • Sustainable growth
  • Foster innovation

Support healthier, more productive communities.

This means ensuring that food and drink manufacturing is recognised as an advanced manufacturing sector within the UK’s industrial strategy.

It also calls for a food strategy that reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens while enabling businesses to invest in sustainability, healthier product portfolios, highly skilled workforces and innovative factories.

By working in partnership with government, we can unlock the full potential of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector

Ingredients for Growth is our plan to remove roadblocks to growth and create a food system for the UK that is green and adaptive, productive and growing, nourishing and innovative.

Ingredients for Growth