Food
The Food and Drink Manufacturing sector is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK. In terms of economic contribution, it accounts for 17% of all UK manufacturing GVA (£28.2 billion).
The Food and Drink Manufacturing sector is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK. In terms of economic contribution, it accounts for 17% of all UK manufacturing GVA (£28.2 billion). It comprises just over 6,800 businesses and employs nearly 400,000 people. Innovation is key to the Food & Drink Manufacturing sector. Key areas are nutrition, shelf life, packaging, healthy eating, minimal processing, food safety and waste minimisation.
We’ll help you connect with organisations that can help you in your innovation journey.
Our Experts
Related Opportunities
Farming Innovation Programme: Small R&D Partnership Projects Rd 4
Opens: 15/09/2025 Closes: 05/11/2025
UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £7.8 million for small R&D partnership projects. This funding is from the industry led R&D Partnerships Fund, a part of the Defra Farming Innovation Programme.
More Information
ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant: Round 4
Opens: 04/09/2025 Closes: 15/10/2025
Farming, growing or forestry businesses based in England can apply for a grant of £2,500, to engage an external Project Facilitator to support the development of a Full ADOPT Grant application.
More Information
Global Incubator Programme: Agrifood, Singapore 2025
Opens: 08/09/2025 Closes: 26/09/2025
Innovate UK Business Growth are accepting applications for up to 8 innovative SMEs to join our programme with Agrifood Futures in Singapore.
More Information
Related Events and Recordings
Related News
22/08/2024
Accelerator drives AgriFood innovators forward
The Innovate UK AgriFood Accelerator provided training and mentorship to increase the diversity of Innovate UK grant funding applications within the AgriFood sector and support participants in developing their businesses.