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.

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Related Opportunities

Farming Futures R&D Fund: Precision Breeding

Opens: 05/05/2025   Closes: 25/06/2025

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £12.5 million for precision breeding of arable and horticultural crops.

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Horizon Europe 2025 work programme Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Opens: 03/05/2025   Closes: 24/09/2025

Topics available under Horizon Europe’s Cluster 6 programme for 2025/26, with up to €130m available for the largest single projects

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Horizon Europe 2025 EU Missions: Soil Deal for Europe

Opens: 06/05/2025   Closes: 24/09/2025

Funding available through Horizon Europe to achieve healthy soils for Europe by 2050, with up to €11m for the largest projects.

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Related Events and Recordings

Wed
26
Feb
2025

Webinar Series: AgriFood innovations for a nature positive food system

09.00 - 12.00 GMT | Online

Recording coming soon
Wed
4
Dec
2024

Global Insights: USA Alternative Proteins

15.00 - 17.00 | Online

Watch now
See all events

Related News

Accelerator drives AgriFood innovators forward

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.

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