Chris Jewitt reflects on five years of Food and Drink North East and the ways the organisation has supported the industry at every level
From the outset, Food and Drink North East has championed a one region, one voice, many tribes approach to growing our network, amplifying our impact, and strengthening our influence.
In a region rich with diversity – where acknowledging hyper local identity is critical – achieving this unity has never been simple. It continually brings us back to a fundamental question – What defines the North East identity?
It is easy to brand and promote a This is Yorkshire campaign, just as Cumbria effortlessly evokes a strong regional identity. But the North East – much as we love and protect it – what does it truly mean – not just as an idea, but as a lived reality for a spelt farmer in Sedgefield, a dairy farmer in Darlington, a cheesemaker in north Northumberland, a tea packer in Byker, a restaurant in South Shields, or a soft drink company in Sunderland?
When we launched FADNE in 2020, we envisioned a broad church – one that brings together farming, food, drink, manufacturing, and hospitality. These industries are not separate entities; they are interwoven, interdependent, and stronger together. It is this diversity that makes our region extraordinary. Identity, heritage and civic pride are shaped by culture, geography and the distinct character of each community.
Take a closer look at our logo – it tells a story we haven’t shared enough. At first glance, it resembles the cross-section of a fruit. Look closer and you’ll see a symbol of our membership community – producers, businesses and stakeholders – coming together as one. In the North Easterly point, four dashes are highlighted, representing the four rivers of our region: the Tweed, Tyne, Wear and Tees.
A network that delivers real support
At FADNE, we don’t just talk about change – we make it happen. From business support and training to events, research and lobbying, our work directly impacts the region’s food, drink and hospitality landscape.
The Local Heroes Initiative – born out of lockdown to support more than 150 food producers – has now grown into an independent business.
Our Beyond The Kitchen Table ready for retail programme has helped 43 businesses break into new markets across the North East and beyond.
Speaking From Experience, originally a resilience programme launched in response to Covid, has now supported 46 businesses through practical industry insights, thought leadership and pragmatic interventions.
Our Improving Productivity workshops in County Durham and Tees Valley have provided hands-on support to 24 businesses looking to scale and innovate.
uSkillet, our in-house online learning portal, has provided webinars, training resources and digital support programmes to upskill our industry.
These support programmes have played a crucial role in building strong and resilient foundations for emerging food entrepreneurs. By embracing digital tools, we have fostered a greater sense of community and knowledge-sharing, enabling food businesses to connect, collaborate and thrive. Through strategic campaigns, we have championed local food culture, reinforcing authenticity and identity in the art of placemaking.
These initiatives have not only promoted regional food heritage but also adapted it to the modern food landscape, ensuring that the North East’s unique food story continues to evolve.
Celebrating and showcasing our region
FADNE is more than just support – we bring people together.
The Hospitality, Innovation, Tourism and Supply Chain Expo welcomes more than 1,400 attendees across two events.
Meanwhile, the North East Culinary and Trade Awards are a celebration of talent and gastronomic excellence, and bring together the industry and education. With 14 individual competitions in 2023 and 13 in 2024, we welcomed more than 120 student participants in two years from eight regional colleges.
Room With A View – an exclusive event series for partner members – has welcomed renowned industry speakers such as Nigel Murray (MD of Booths), Kate Nicholls (CEO of UK Hospitality), and Carolyn Steel (author of Sitopia and architect).
We have also curated more than 500 food markets, creating valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, forge meaningful connections, and gain exposure to wider audiences. These innovative and insightful events have been instrumental in fostering collaboration, business growth and industry visibility.
Beyond market curation, we have taken a hands-on approach to tackling critical supply chain challenges, bridging gaps between producers and consumers. Our work has helped strengthen local food networks, making farm-to-fork sourcing more transparent, efficient and sustainable. By trying to solve logistical challenges through greater awareness and connectivity, we have helped enable shorter supply chains leading to a more circular regional food economy.
A trusted voice, representing real business needs
We don’t just operate – we advocate.
Our State of the Sector Report surveyed 80 businesses, while our Boiling Point and Energy Crisis consultations provided key insights that influenced wider industry conversations.
I continue to sit on the UK government’s Food and Drink Sector Council, ensuring that the North East’s voice is heard at the highest level. We’ve also led film and documentary projects, such as the Back British Farming Campaign, Coping in a Crisis, Coming Home and After Arwen, highlighting the challenges and resilience of our industry.
A financially independent, member-led organisation ready for growth
FADNE has been built on strong foundations of independence and industry support, sustained largely by the commitment of our 262 members – who believe in the power of a united regional voice.
This independence has allowed us to remain authentic, member-led and responsive to the real needs of the industry, ensuring our work directly benefits the businesses we represent.
However, to fully unlock the North East’s potential, strategic investment and partnerships are essential. With the right support, we can scale our impact, enhance business growth opportunities, and drive innovation across the food, drink and hospitality sectors.
Our track record speaks for itself – through 300-plus referrals, collaborations and commercial connections we have already created tangible business opportunities that are shaping the future of our industry. We are the vindicated voice of the North East’s food, drink and hospitality industries – a sector poised for expansion.
With support and investment, we can break down barriers to growth and ensure that the North East continues to thrive as a region of innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, inclusion and excellence. We have all of the ingredients, we just need the right recipe.
Food and Drink North East • Email: info@fadne.org • Web: www.fadne.org
