The UK’s food and drink industry has united to launch Mmmake Your Mark – a landmark,
government endorsed campaign, showcasing 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.
Developed on behalf of the Food and Drink Sector Council (FDSC), this campaign is the result of exceptional 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* shows that nearly half (49%) of 16-24-year-olds have never considered a
career in the food and drink industry. The roles of: Software engineer (51%), data scientist
(41%), technologist (41%) and biochemist (36%) 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. It is a fundamental driver of
economic resilience.
For the first time, an incredibly influential rollcall of organisations from across the entire
food chain are coming together to showcase opportunities from ‘Farm to Fork, Science to
Sizzle, and Tech to Taste.’
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, JobCentres, and prisons to inspire more people to go further with food
and drink.