News article
11 May 2010
Food Manufacturing: A Stabilising Force in Uncertain Economic Times
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PRESS RELEASE
New data published today by the Office for National Statistics confirm that the
UK's biggest manufacturing industry has weathered the economic storm better
than
any other sector.
The data shows that the UK food and drink industry has recorded an increase in
production month on month throughout the first quarter of 2010. In fact, over
the
past two years food and drink producers have maintained the most consistently
stable levels of output of all the manufacturing sectors as well as maintaining
the highest index rating for the first three months of 2010.
Julian Hunt, the Food and Drink Federation's Communications Director, said:
“As the UK's biggest manufacturing sector, food and drink producers act as an
important stabilising force for the economy in uncertain times. Our success
during
recession reflects our sector's ability to innovate and respond quickly to
changing consumer demands.
Food and drink producers have also been one of the
few
sectors to successfully build exports during the downturn – with sales in
overseas
markets hitting a record £9.65bn last year. Where all other sectors have
struggled in 2010, food and drink has demonstrated that it is an industry
capable of
growth in even the most adverse conditions.”
More Information
- FDF Press team
-
Cath Wilkins on cath.wilkins@fdf.org.uk or 020 7420 7132
-
Sarah Lovell on sarah.lovell@fdf.org.uk or 020 7420 7131
-
Rebecca Wilhelm rebecca.wilhelm@fdf.org.uk or 020 7420 7140
Notes to Editors
1. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the voice of the food and drink
manufacturing industry – the UK's largest manufacturing sector.
2. The food and drink manufacturing industry is the single largest manufacturing
sector in the UK, with a turnover of £72.8bn, with a gross value added of
£21.6bn, accounting for 15% of the total manufacturing sector. The industry
employs
some
440,000 people. This represents 14% of the manufacturing workforce in the UK.
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