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 a hub where innovative ideas can come alive. Whether the driver is health and wellness, sustainability or something else, the FDF can be central to your ambitions.
Innovation Gateway
Innovation support from across the UK that enables you and your business to get connected with the organisations and people best placed to help you.
Automation and manufacturing technology
Automation is likely to be a key development in food manufacturing as part of the need to increase efficiency and productivity.
Funding and Grants
The FDF maintains close ties to funding bodies, as well as researchers and businesses with specialist knowledge in various innovation areas.
Latest updates
Final stakeholder clinics for IETF £185m competition – 9th and 16th April
Phase 3 three of the current IETF funding round is open until Friday 19th April. The competition will provide grant funding towards the costs of feasibility and engineering studies, energy efficiency deployment projects and deep decarbonisation deployment projects. To find out more, view the applicant guidance and make an application for funding, please visit the competition page.
If you have any questions on your application, you can speak to Government colleagues directly via one of the stakeholder clinics. These are run on a weekly basis, with the final ones taking place on 9th and 16th April. To attend, please visit the registration site.
Hallam AIMday “Healthy and Sustainable Food” 27th June 2024
Sheffield Hallam University’s National Centre for Excellence in Food Engineering will host AIMday Healthy and Sustainable Food on 27th June 2024 at Sheffield’s Olympic Legacy Park.
This event is an opportunity for companies to discuss a problem or challenge with Hallam's academic experts in a structured one-hour workshop.
You can apply here and submit a challenge question by 9th April to take part in this fantastic, free and innovative event!
If you have any queries, please come back to Bryony or Amanda.
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Report: Feeding the Future: Working together to build the National Food Strategy
The Food and Drink Sector Council offers food chain solutions as part of the industry’s contribution to the UK Government’s forthcoming National Food Strategy.
Report: A recipe for growth, prosperity and sustainability
This is our shared plan for governments to work in partnership with the UK’s food and drink industry to ensure it continues to lead the world and meet the needs of UK consumers and shoppers.