The FDF is a powerful voice for the UK’s vibrant, resilient and diverse food and drink manufacturing industry.
For over 100 years, we have successfully contributed to policy making and legislative development, championing our members’ views – large and small – on the critical issues of the day.
We bring together business, government and stakeholders to ensure our manufacturers have the right conditions to grow, invest and employ, while continuing to produce high quality, nutritious and affordable food and drink.
With more than 1,000 members – from the most recognisable global brands to the most innovative start-ups – we represent the largest manufacturing sector in the country.
Our focus
From health and food safety to environmental sustainability, trade to employment, we work with members to develop a comprehensive policy platform with clear 'asks' of the governments from across the UK.
Our activities on behalf of the industry help improve and create the right market conditions for food and drink manufacturers to grow and flourish.
Our structure
The Board oversees the management of the Federation and its operations and ensures the FDF is a well-managed and sustainable organisation that it is accountable to our members.
The President's Committee, Chaired by Gerald Mason, sets out the FDF's policy and future strategies. It receives reports from the Corporate Affairs, Diet and Health, Industrial Growth, Food Safety and Sustainability Committees in order to consider and agree a public policy positions.
Reasons to join
Making the best use of your time and resource is key.
Being an FDF manufacturing member will equip you with the expertise to grow, protect and strengthen your business.
Whatever your size of business, FDF membership can help you.
Work for us
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. We have a friendly work culture with great break-out spaces, quiet booths and opportunities for flexible-working.
Accordion Block 06-03-2025
Deadline of 31 May 2024 for reporting packaging data under the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging regulations
We have been asked to cascade a letter sent by senior officials from all four nation Governments reminding organisations obligated under the new EPR Regulations that they must report their 2023 packaging data to the regulator no later than 31 May 2024; beyond this date regulators may take enforcement action. Having timely and accurate data will also help to ensure that EPR reflects the true cost of managing packaging waste and that these costs are more fairly distributed between producers. Please refer to this link for the key information organisations need for submitting data. Defra is also now publishing weekly a public list of the large producers who have submitted data to date. This may help some organisations work out who is responsible for reporting data.
On 16 May FDF held a joint webinar with Defra on registration and data reporting requirements to help members and other organisations understand the requirements. The slides and recording are available here. Defra has also produced a document with links to further guidance which you may find helpful.