This Barclays co-produced report identifies some of the changes, challenges and issues faced by UK food and drink manufacturers.
The report is based on detailed interviews with senior representatives from a range of manufacturing and process businesses. The authors also surveyed those working in the food and drink sector, providing the basis for additional statistical analysis. Our research in this report addresses four interrelated topics: The structure of the UK food and drink industry The UK food and drink industry is diverse and participants range from household-name brands and giant multinational corporations through to small family businesses and artisan suppliers. Supporting the producers are equipment and technology companies and project management firms. Competitiveness and exports Competitiveness is a difficult subject in the food and drink industry, since the overall market is very rigid. Despite this, it is possible to be flexible within market subsectors. Technology and investment issues The food and drink industry faces particular pressures in terms of hygiene and uniformity of product that make it a prime candidate for increasing automation. This is a priority for more than half of the companies surveyed. Future prospects for growth Despite ongoing challenges, the food and drink industry is optimistic for its future. Optimism and confidence are likely to be reflected in increased investment, both in manufacturing technology and market development, which may for some companies include exporting.
Read the Institution News article: Institution and Barclays produce new food and drink industry report
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