FADNE CEO Chris Jewitt reflects on the UK’s latest Industrial Strategy Green Paper and what the sector needs to deliver on its huge potential
Since our launch in 2020, Food and Drink North East has tirelessly worked and lobbied at local and national level to ensure the agri-food, drink and hospitality sectors are recognised and included in our local industrial strategies. This remains one of our core objectives – to elevate the importance of these sectors in shaping the economic, social and cultural future of the North East.
Our optimism had been wrongly encouraged when FADNE was involved in the original National Food Strategy, the first comprehensive review of the UK’s food system in 85 years. It was a promising move that validated the importance of food to a progressive, modern UK economy.
Off the back of that work, we truly believed change was coming and the food revolution that we so craved as a region was on its way.
At our recent Room With A View event, we heard from internationally renowned architect and thought leader on food, place and community Carolyn Steel – who summed up the issue perfectly: “Food is too big to see. It’s everywhere.”
Unfortunately, this rings true in the UK’s latest Industrial Strategy Green Paper. Despite the sector’s critical importance, it has been largely overlooked, which feels like a real kick in the teeth to all of us who have worked so hard to get it on the agenda.
For the North East, this oversight is more than disappointing – it’s dangerously short-sighted.
The food and drink sector is one of our greatest economic assets with an even higher potential – representing jobs, innovation, exports, tourism and grassroots entrepreneurship. At a time when we’re facing unprecedented challenges like rising food poverty, food waste and the urgent need for cohesive public health and food strategies, the omission of agri-food, drink and hospitality ignores the very sectors capable of leading change.
Had our efforts succeeded, it would have vindicated the tireless work of our organisation, stakeholders, members and partners. Yet, we remain committed to fighting for an industrial strategy that truly reflects the vital role of food in our economy, education, culture, and the shaping of public health in the North East.
It’s time for local and national leaders to see what’s right in front of them and understand the importance, permanence and ubiquity of the sector.
The importance of the sector, and the challenges we face, will be highlighted in great detail when we publish the FADNE 2024 State of Sector Survey at the end of the year.
Covering insights from businesses across primary production, food, drink, hospitality and manufacturing, this report reveals the resilience, challenges and ambitions shaping our region’s vibrant sector.
While I can’t give you all the details just yet, we know 45% of businesses grew in 2024 despite economic pressures – with many expanding, creating new jobs and thriving at local events.
Inflation, staffing and supply chain issues topped the list of challenges, with rising ingredient costs and recruitment hurdles impacting operations. Financial support, training and consultancy are high on the agenda to support sustainable growth.
The full results will give us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the support our sector needs to drive sustainable and inclusive growth across the regional agri-food, drink, manufacturing and hospitality supply chain. Keep an eye on the FADNE social channels for the full report.
