Food and Drink Innovation Showcased to Parliamentarians

This is a joined up approach between public sector bodies involved in delivering agri-food research and innovation, working alongside the private sector and consumers to add value.

5/11/2011 --- Food and drink manufacturers launch over 6,000 new products every year and the scale of the research and innovation that takes place in the industry was showcased to Parliamentarians.

The All-Party Parliamentary Food and Drink Manufacturing Group met to hear about the important innovations being developed by key member companies such as apetito, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Kraft Foods UK Ltd and McCain Foods (GB) Ltd.

Addressing the meeting were Baroness Wilcox, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Business Innovation and Skills, Jim Moseley, FDF President and Managing Director of General Mills, and John Stevenson MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group.

The work of FDF members forms a key part of the public health agenda and companies are using increasingly innovative techniques to meet challenging targets on salt and saturated fat reduction. Delegates heard details about the latest reformulation and health projects and also about new innovations in sustainable packaging and science and research.

Baroness Wilcox, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Business Innovation and Skills said:
“The food and drink industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the UK. It has a strong track record in innovation and is recognised and supported by the Government as offering opportunities for growth.

“The Government is helping research and innovation in the sector through the new Global Food Security Programme. This is a joined up approach between public sector bodies involved in delivering agri-food research and innovation, working alongside the private sector and consumers to add value.”

John Stevenson MP Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Food and Drink Manufacturing Group said:
“Innovation lies at the heart of future growth and competitiveness of the UK's food and drink industry. Due to the highly competitive nature of the industry, there are over 1,500 new products introduced each quarter. The innovations showcased today by Apetito, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Kraft Foods UK Ltd and McCain Foods (GB) Ltd demonstrate the commitment of the sector to bring health and environmental benefits to the consumer, through product reformulation, sustainable packaging and science and health innovation.

"We are delighted that Baroness Wilcox, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills was able to support this event and hear first-hand from the industry what they need from Parliamentarians to support future innovation and growth.”

Jim Moseley said:
“Innovation keeps our industry fresh, dynamic and competitive, allowing us to respond to rapidly evolving consumer demands, and enabling us to grow and keep pace in a global marketplace. Being innovative allows us to make the discoveries that are transformed into new products or better ways of doing things, delivering value and benefits for consumers as well as opening up new markets.

“The Government must do all that it can to remove barriers that prevent advanced manufacturing sectors, such as the food and drink industry, from reaching their full potential for growth. Today we are calling on Parliamentarians to support the food and drink industry, encourage innovation and access to innovative technologies to ensure we are able to remain competitive.”