The North West is the largest Food & Drink producing region in England and Wales, yielding a Gross Value Added (GVA) totalling £9.5 billion and employing over 450,000 people. The Manchester City Region has established a strong tradition in the sector, with over 4000 businesses employing 26,000-plus people and producing an output/turnover in excess of £900 million.
The area’s long-standing tradition in the food & drink sector can be emphasized by the presence of companies such as Kellogg’s, Heinz, Unilever, Con-Agra, Princes, Kerry Foods, Cargill, Pataks and Warburtons. Warburtons’ Bolton base has been established since 1876 and other companies such as Kellogg’s, Heinz, Pataks and Cargill have demonstrated their continuing commitment to the region by announcing that they will undertake further significant investment in their Greater Manchester facilities.
The city region is well placed for strategic partnerships, supply chain development and knowledge transfer between companies. Manchester Metropolitan University houses the North West Food Centre and also offers specialist expertise and opportunities for study in Food/Consumer Technology, Nutrition and New Product Development, while Salford University houses the European-renowned Centre for Robotics and Automation, which has strong links with the sector. All of the above contribute to a low risk environment that helps increase potential investors’ confidence in establishing successful and sustainable operations in the region.
To find out more about the food & drink industry in the Manchester City Region, please contact:
Sylvie Morton, Business Development Manager
sylvie.morton@midas.org.uk
Food & Drink Flyer
