Purpose: This study aims to benchmark the current position of UK food and drink manufacturers/processors (FDMP) and identify opportunities for sector development in line with Government growth targets.
Methods: A telephone survey (with follow-up online survey) was conducted with FDMP in Wales (UK) (n = 784) using a staged approach. Responses were collated to determine food sector, current food safety and technical compliance, innovation and growth as well as current challenges and barriers encountered.
Results: Cumulatively, 108 FDMP businesses responded to the survey (14% response rate). Findings indicated that in Wales 99% of FDMPs are small-medium-sized-enterprises and main activities in the food sector include dairy/liquid egg (21.5%), bakery (18.5%) and raw, red meat (18.5%). Three-quarters of FDMPs reported business growth during 2012 - 2013. Results showed 43.5% FDMP businesses reported obtaining technical 3rd party accreditation standards (only 13.8% had achieved BRC standard); 73.1% FDMPs considered they were not functioning at full capacity and 37.9% reported aspiration for business growth. Barriers/challenges encountered for business growth/development were associated with international export, packaging, labelling, legislation, licensing and lack of required technical knowledge. Fifty-five percent of FDMPs reported innovation in their businesses; 54.6% companies reported development and launching between 1 - 10 new products and 1.8% between 11 - 20 and 2.7% > 20 new products in the past year. Innovative processes reported included improvement in production efficiency and waste reduction.
Significance: Increased understanding of the FDMP food sector will aid targeted support to improve technical development and subsequent innovation resulting in increased and sustainable business growth.