There is no doubt that food manufacturing is a significant part of the UK economy. In London alone, food manufacturing accounts for around 31,000 jobs and it is therefore a significant and vibrant part of the national and regional economy.

Foodwise is a project that supports food and drink manufacturers in London. Since 2003, the project has provided food and drink manufacturers with opportunities to market their products and meet new customers, and help with technical assistance and capability improvements.

Market Development

During 2003 – 2004 Foodwise gave over 60 London food manufacturers an opportunity to market their products to a wider audience.

Foodwise organises the London Food Fair, a trade exhibition held annually for London food and drink businesses to exhibit their products to a wide range of industry buyers. The quality and diversity of food and drink made here, in London, is celebrated at this event and buyers from all over the UK and Europe attend.

“ A Taste of London” is the directory of London Food and Drink manufacturers published quarterly and distributed to over 500 buyers in the UK and Europe. This publication is fully funded by Foodwise and so there is no charge to businesses that would like to have an entry in it.

A number of companies shared the Foodwise stand at the Speciality and Fine Foods Fair, Olympia in 2003 and 2004, exhibiting their London-made products to over 4000 trade visitors.

Foodwise also provides regular networking and supply chaindevelopment opportunities.

Capability Improvement

“Towards BRC Accreditation” is an initiative that aims to bring food and drink manufacturers closer to achieving recognition by the British Retail Consortium. If food businesses are serious about supplying the major retailers or larger speciality food stores, they have little choice but to become accredited to a recognized quality standard.

The “Towards BRC Accreditation” programme, which includes a mix of skills development and consultancy, will give business owners the basic skills and knowledge to be able implement the processes, and develop the policies and documentation, that is required by the BRC Global Standard – Food.