Regional expertise
Food and drink in the East Midlands comprises over 700 companies, with particular expertise in dairy, frozen and chilled foods, cereals, snacks and ready meals. A large number of related industries are involved in packaging, distribution, transportation, R&D, specialist equipment manufacture, sales and servicing. And the baking industry tops the region’s food processing sectors with over 70 companies involved.

The East Midlands also has strong representation in organic production and supply; from social inclusion co-operatives, to 2000+ acre commercial farming operations.

The region benefits from:

Food & Drink Forum
A not-for-profit organisation working with East Midlands companies along the whole of the food chain; a central hub offering valuable support, advice, training and information.

Food Processing Faraday Partnership Ltd (FPFP)
A dedicated industry resource offering workshops, seminars and access to funding.

The Food and Drink iNet
A region-wide initiative co-ordinating specialist support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector, and helping to research, develop and implement new products and processes.

Championing Innovation between Engineering and Food Sectors (CHIEFS) project
A three-year project bringing together researchers, inventors and designers to work alongside food producers and engineers to identify solutions to specific food industry problems.

East Midlands New Technology Initiative (NTI)
Provides grants to small and medium sized businesses to invest in state-of-the-art technology and to gain advanced technology skills through NTI-approved courses. 

East Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS EM)
Provides subsidised support and hands-on advice to manufacturers to help them improve their competitiveness. Developed and funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and East Midlands Development Agency (emda).

Southglade Food Park
Gives established and expanding firms a springboard to future development, and comprises 2,800 square metres of food manufacturing floor space and a specialist business support centre with units available for businesses at various stages of growth.

Centre of Vocational Excellence for Food Manufacturing Training
Provides services, education and training, and gives companies access to technical facilities and expertise.