The UK’s food and drink industry has united to launch "Mmmake Your Mark" – a government-endorsed campaign that aims to showcase the sector as a “dynamic and vibrant place to work”.
As food security has risen to the top of the agenda, so has the recognition that people are central to a thriving food system. The Independent Review into Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain (2023) has led businesses, trade bodies, and government to collaborate on Mmmake Your Mark, inspiring the next generation of talent to envision their future in the industry.
Convened by IGD, on behalf of the Food and Drink Sector Council (FDSC), the campaign is the result of cross-sector collaboration across the whole food system.
Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister for Food Security & Rural Affairs, said, “Food security is national security, and the backbone of a robust food supply chain is a skilled domestic workforce.
“Attracting bright new talent to the industry is vital for the future of UK food and this campaign showcases the UK’s food and drink industry as a vibrant place to work, giving the next generation an opportunity to Mmmake Your Mark.”
A recent poll showed that nearly half (49 per cent) of 16-24-year-olds have never considered a career in the food and drink industry. The roles of Software engineer (51 per cent), data scientist (41 per cent), technologist (41 per cent) and biochemist (36 per cent) are the top four job roles that 16-24-year-olds are unaware exist in food and drink.
By highlighting the diversity of opportunities and challenging perceptions, the campaign also emphasises the industry’s role in tackling issues such as nutrition, healthy lifestyles, climate change, food security and economic growth.
Sarah Bradbury, Co-Chair of the FDSC Workforce Sub-Committee and CEO of IGD, commented, “Food and drink is the largest private sector employer in the UK, representing over 4 million talented people. This campaign harnesses that scale, uniting our industry to celebrate what makes it so dynamic and rewarding. You can pursue a huge range of careers within food and drink – and together, we’ll show that it’s a place where each individual can make an impact, with great opportunities for development and progression.’”
The group noted that Mmmake Your Mark is just the beginning of closer industry collaboration to attract future talent into the sector. Alongside the campaign, work is already underway to strengthen ties between the industry and the careers system, including rolling out nationwide initiatives in schools, colleges, Job Centres, and prisons to inspire more people to go further with food and drink.
