connecting every sector of the UK Food Industry

Delivering Strategic Insights & Commercial Opportunities

EXECUTIVE CONFERENCES
FOCUS GROUP SESSIONS 
ISSUE DRIVEN SEMINARS
ROUND TABLE SESSIONS 
SECTOR WORKSHOPS

TRAINING PROGRAMMES

The UK food industry faces a complex array of challenges, from enhancing training and skills development to improving recruitment across all sectors. Innovation is crucial in farming, processing, food security, supply chain management, and food service, demanding focused attention from senior management throughout the industry.

Our Cross-Sector Insight Reports deliver executive-level analysis, offering key insights into the dynamics that need to be developed. These reports are designed to help industry leaders stay ahead of the curve as the industry evolves and reshapes itself on both micro and macro levels.

Embracing the Opportunity for Industry Transformation

The food industry is on the brink of a significant transformation, with a clear opportunity to shift towards a more efficient, productive, and technologically advanced way of working. While charting this path presents challenges, the potential for growth and innovation is immense.

Explore our latest report to understand the strategies that will help your business thrive in this dynamic environment.

Navigating Challenges in the UK Food Service Sector

The UK food service sector is a cornerstone of the nation's economy, contributing billions of pounds annually and employing millions across the industry. However, it faces a range of unprecedented challenges that require innovation, resilience, and strategic adaptation. From evolving consumer expectations to regulatory changes and environmental pressures, businesses in this sector must navigate complex hurdles to remain competitive and sustainable.

UK Food Industry Insight: The Unpredictable Terrain of Sustainable Sourcing Strategies

As consumer demand for ethical, environmentally friendly products continues to rise, the UK food industry finds itself at the centre of an evolving landscape where sustainable sourcing is no longer a niche trend - it’s an expectation. Navigating the unpredictable terrain of sustainable sourcing requires businesses to rethink their supply chains, balance costs with ethics, and anticipate regulatory changes.

This insight report explores the challenges facing the UK food industry as it moves toward more sustainable sourcing strategies and offers solutions for overcoming these obstacles in the drive towards a more responsible food supply chain.

UK Agriculture 2035: The Game Changer

The future of UK agriculture is set to undergo a profound transformation by 2035. Faced with the challenges of climate change, food security, and evolving consumer demands, the agricultural sector is embracing innovation like never before. With new technologies, sustainable practices, and forward-thinking policies, UK agriculture is positioned to become a global leader in the production of healthy, sustainable, and resilient food systems. But what will be the key game changers, and how can farmers and businesses prepare for this new era?

We Take a Look at Where the Focus Will Be Over the Next Few Years in the UK Fast Food Sector: From McDonald’s to the Independents
The UK fast food sector is undergoing a significant transformation as it adapts to new consumer demands, emerging technologies, and growing pressure to become more sustainable. From industry giants like McDonald’s to independent operators, the next few years will be defined by shifts in consumer behaviour, advancements in food technology, and increasing competition.

In this insight, we explore the key areas that will shape the future of fast food in the UK, providing a roadmap for both established chains and independent operators to navigate the evolving market.

UK Grocery Supermarket Sector: Insight Report 2024 - 2028

The UK grocery supermarket sector is at a pivotal point as it navigates through significant changes in consumer behaviour, technology, and market dynamics.

From 2024 to 2028, the sector is expected to evolve rapidly, driven by shifts in sustainability demands, rising inflation, technological advancements, and an increasingly competitive marketplace.

As the sector continues to evolve, we will work closely with industry leaders to shape the future of the UK grocery supermarket landscape.

Is the UK Market Becoming Saturated with Restaurant Chains? What Does This Mean for Independent Operators in the Next Three Years (2024-2027)?

The UK’s food service sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an influx of restaurant chains dominating high streets, shopping centres, and leisure destinations. This surge in chain establishments has raised concerns about market saturation—are we nearing a point where the UK market is overpopulated with branded outlets?

More importantly, what does this mean for independent restaurants and their ability to thrive in the coming years, up to 2027?

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The UK Food Council is dedicated to ensuring a sustainable and resilient food system through its strategic initiatives. Currently, the Council is scoping several critical areas of work, which include:

Human Resources:

In response to the Independent Review into Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain, the Council is considering recommendations to address workforce issues. This involves applying insights across the wider supply chain and integrating them with the retail and hospitality sectors.

7. Member Offers:
Enjoy exclusive discounts on industry events, publications, and services. Our members receive special rates on conferences, exhibitions, and other industry-related activities, making it easier to stay engaged and informed.

8. Regulatory Updates:
Stay compliant with the latest regulations and standards. The UK Food Council provides regular updates and expert analysis on policy changes, helping you navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

9. Member Resources:
Access a wealth of resources through our member portal. From white papers and case studies to templates and toolkits, our members have everything they need to succeed at their fingertips.

Sustainable Practices: Promoting environmentally friendly methods throughout the food supply chain to reduce waste and carbon footprint.

Food Safety: Enhancing standards and protocols to ensure the highest level of food safety and quality.

Food Security: Developing strategies to ensure a stable and secure food supply for the UK population.

Innovation Support: Encouraging and supporting innovation within the food industry to drive growth and efficiency.

Professional Development 
Enhance your skills and knowledge through our professional development programs. We offer workshops, training sessions, and certifications designed to help you stay current with industry standards and advance your career.

11. Visibility and Recognition:
Gain recognition for your achievements and contributions to the industry. The UK Food Council celebrates member successes through awards, spotlights, and case studies, enhancing your reputation and credibility.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Bringing together farmers, manufacturers, retailers, policymakers, and consumers to foster a cooperative approach to food system challenges.

By focusing on these key areas, the UK Food Council aims to build a robust food system that benefits both the economy and society, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.

Access to Research:
Gain access to ground-breaking research and development projects. Our members can participate in and benefit from innovative research initiatives that drive the future of the food industry.

Marketing Support:
Leverage our marketing platforms to promote your products and services. Members can showcase their brands through our website, newsletters, and events, reaching a broad audience of industry professionals and consumers.

UK FOOD INDUSTRY TRENDS

In 2021, the size of the UK grocery market stood at around 212 billion British pounds. The market has been steadily growing since 2004 and is estimated to reach over 241 billion British pounds by 2027.

ACROSS THE INDUSTRY SECTORS

March 2024, around a fifth of the UK population purchased food and drinks online. £128.3bn the agri-food sector contribution to national Gross Value Added in 2021

4.2m people employed in the agri-food sector in 2022, 13.4% of GB employment. 10.5% food and non-alcoholic beverage price increase in real terms in the 12 months to April 2023. £254bn total consumer expenditure on food, drink and catering in 2022. £20.2bn the value of food and drink exports in 2021.

MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS

Membership comprises of 26,456 individuals. These
are senior executives in businesses across the entire
food chain from 'farm to fork'. Growth in membership in 2022 was up 7% on 2020, forecast for 2025 of 1200 new members is on track as of June 2024.

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
45% of Members hold a Senior Management position
25% of Members hold a Middle Management position
15% of Members are Consulting Industry Suppliers
10% of Members are Academics in the Food Arena
05% of Members are Government Officials

Driving Change: A UK Food Council Initiative to eradicate food poverty, Backed by:

UK Food Council

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This content of this website highlights the UK Food Council’s role and its collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, reflecting the council’s dedication to improving food systems and security. As we continue to build on our successes, we invite individuals, businesses, and organizations to join us in our journey towards a sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions and ensure food security for generations to come.

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