FDF’s Innovation Gateway promises to unlock technology for F&B business growth

10 Mar 2022 --- The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has unveiled a new tool to simplify how F&B companies adopt technology to grow their businesses. The Food and Drink Innovation Gateway matches UK companies with customized technical support and makes it easy to quickly identify the best automation and technology solutions.

“Often it’s a case that businesses are not aware these technologies are out there – and very often it will not be complicated. From the small scale implementation of a remote sensor to the installation of a new robot that automates, this initiative can benefit businesses of all sizes and sub-sectors,” Mark Corbett, innovation, employment and skills policy manager, FDF, tells FoodIngredientsFirst. 

“This is about accessing existing support that is already funded and provided throughout the UK. Where new technology is purchased, it could be subsidized. Where it isn’t subsidized, the technology can be tested for its ability to improve efficiency or make savings,” he adds.

Although UK F&B manufacturers were making strides in innovation, evidenced by at least a 33.3% increase in the procurement of robots and nearly £800 million (US$1,053 billion) invested in R&D and software in 2020, there were a few obstacles. These included rising costs, labor shortages and stretched supply chains that put increased pressure on businesses wanting to make longer-term investments. 

Corbett elaborates: “Many businesses are not aware of the Catapult Network and the support that is available. We are also able to identify the common challenges F&B businesses are facing as the numbers come through.”

UK food and beverage manufacturers have made significant investments in the procurement of robots R&D and software. Boosting productivity through tech
Using existing and new technologies is vital for F&B businesses to overcome current challenges faced by the sector and increase productivity, reduce waste and improve sustainability. Technology can also create new, high-skilled “green” jobs in different geographies.

“The Innovation Gateway makes it easy to quickly identify the best automation and technology solutions. This is increasingly important as we manage decarbonization, rising energy costs and commodity price volatility,” says Steve Barton, strategic project director, ABF Grocery Group and chair of the FDF’s Technology Forum.

Completing one online form connects food businesses to an independent specialist to help find the right partner to step-change their productivity and efficiency.

“It may sound like a simple concept, but the Innovation Gateway has been complex to bring together,” continues Barton. 

Research experts from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the University of Lincoln, among others, will mentor businesses about innovation opportunities, risk-free investing and implementing technologies.

Identifying technological solutions
The regional F&B industry has a turnover of more than £104 billion (US$137 billion), accounting for 20% of total manufacturing. Exports of food and drink make a significant contribution to the economy, exceeding £23 billion (US$ 30 billion), with the top export partners being Ireland, the US and France.

The partnership between business and the FDF will provide insights into the technological needs of the industry, helping improve and better target specific technical support. The initiative is also in line with the FDF’s ambition for the food and drink sector to be carbon neutral by 2040. 

The FDF Business Confidence survey shows that net business confidence rose in Q1 2021, reaching 14% due to the UK government’s vaccine rollout easing lockdown restrictions.

By Inga de Jong with additional reporting by Missy Green