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Yorkshire is the UK's biggest food producer, dominating a number of food sectors and home to some of the world's best companies. There are more than 15,000 companies in Yorkshires food and drink sector - the largest concentration in the UK.

The food and drink industry is the region's second largest sector and employs over 200,000 people across its core constituent sectors; agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale and retailing. This industry also remains one of the largest sources of employment in rural areas, as well as on the coast. The region is a major centre for seafood processing, with the Humber responsible around 40% of the UK's fish processing output. In fact Hull and the Humber has the largest concentration of food industries in the UK, employing around 48,000 people in the sector. The region is also home to a large concentration of breweries, producing almost a third of the UK's beer.

Well-known manufacturers based in the region include Nestle, Heinz, Coca-Cola, Northern Foods, Young's, McCain, Allied Breweries, Warburtons, Asda-Walmart, and Geest.  All of these provide opportunities in production and manufacturing systems. There are also over 1,100 food and drink processing companies, many of which are small niche manufacturers producing some the regions local favourites.

Aspects of the Food and Drink industry can of course be found in every city and town (and many villages) in the region. However there is some concentration of larger food companies in the West Yorkshire and Humberside areas. In North Yorkshire Tadcaster is noted for its brewing industry.

Most employment opportunities in the industry are open to graduates of any degree discipline. Opportunities which make specific use of a Food Science degree, such as development and quality control, are most likely to arise in the manufacturing sector, although there may be opportunities in Head Offices of major retailers such as ASDA Wal-mart in Leeds and Morrisons in Bradford.

Useful links:

Yorkshire Forward Food & Drink Cluster

Food, drink and agriculture is a major part of the economy in Yorkshire and Humber and is one of the priority clusters in this region.  Read about the current regional strategy for the Food and Drink sector on their downloadable pdf.

Regional Food Group for Yorkshire and Humber (RFGYH)

Developed by Yorkshire Forward, RFGYH is a not-for-profit company, providing one stop shop for all trade, consumer and media enquiries as well as a support network for the industry. They are also custodians of the Deliciouslyorkshire brand designed to promote the distinctiveness and quality of the food and drink produced in the region.

TEAM Food

TEAM Food is the skills division of the Regional Food Group for Yorkshire & Humber which works to ensure that the skills of the current and future workforce are right for the needs of the sector.

Institute of Food Science & Technology

This professional body focuses on all aspects of food technology.  Its North of England branch was formed in 1966 is based in East Yorkshire and maintains a busy programme of activities.  To access these details you will need to become a member.

Food Technology Advisory Service

The Food Technology Advisory Service has been established to help food businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber grow and thrive using their technical excellence.

Yorkshire and Humber Seafood Group

The Yorkshire and Humber Seafood Group (Y&HSG) provides tailored support for seafood businesses.   More information about them can be found here.

Food Chain Centre of Industrial Collaboration

Yorkshire Forward has established the Food Chain Centre of Industrial Collaboration (CIC) at the University of Leeds.  The Food Chain CIC is a combination of world class expertise at the universities of Leeds and York, and the Central Science Laboratory.  It provides a unique facility for food research, to enable the food industry to stay competitive and develop new possibilities.

Humber Institute of Food and Fisheries

The Humber Institute for Food and Fisheries provides expert training and consultancy within the food and fishing sectors.