Productivity
Productivity is a measure of how efficiently a business uses its labour, or its
workers, and its capital, such as its factories and vehicles. Research suggests
that the UK food and drink manufacturing sector is the most productive of the
whole of the supply chain from farming up to retail and catering; and the 2nd
most
productive food and drink manufacturing sector in the world, just behind
Canada.
To maintain this excellent track record in productivity, it is important the
food and drink manufacturing industry is able to continue to invest in
innovation
that allows products to be produced more efficiently and with less waste. The
industry increasingly uses automation and robotics in the production process
which
requires skilled operatives, technicians and engineers to operate and maintain.
Productivity is also dependent on the success of new products. The UK food and
drink manufacturing sector produces 1,500 new products each quarter and relies
upon innovation to drive sales growth. Food scientists and technologists are
key
to developing new products but are in short supply with hard to fill vacancies
for technical roles rising from 2% in 2007 to 11% in 2010.
Food companies are increasingly concerned that their future productivity could
be affected by a shortage of highly skilled employees. In response to this, FDF
has launched a careers campaign Taste Success – A Future in Food and an industry pledge to double the number of apprenticeships in the sector by
the end of 2012. We will also be working with key partners to develop a degree
course which will ensure a sufficient supply of highly talented graduates. In
addition, Improve (food and drink sector skills council) has launched new more
flexible qualifications known as Food Manufacturing Excellence which make it easier for companies to implement training programs to meet the
individual needs of each business.
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