Food Graduate Jobs Profile
The food and drink manufacturing industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, contributing over £104 billion annually to the economy. Employing around 456,000 people, it accounts for 13% of the UK’s total manufacturing workforce. The industry is constantly evolving, with 10,000 new products launched every year, driven by innovation, consumer trends, and sustainability efforts.
With total consumer spending on food, drink, and catering reaching £196 billion, the sector is shaped by growing demand for quality, convenience, and ethical sourcing. The rise of functional foods—valued at over £2.54 billion—reflects increasing interest in health, nutrition, and sustainable production.
A career in the food industry offers diverse opportunities, ranging from product development and food science to marketing, logistics, and sustainability. Major employers include Nestlé, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Premier Foods, and Arla, alongside thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that make up over 96% of the UK food and drink sector.
