We are Food and Drink North East (FADNE) a community interest company (CIC) made up of local business owners and experts who understand the challenges the food, drink and hospitality sectors face and are working together to address them.
We’re not a fish – we’re the pond. A network that connects, enables and encourages collaboration across the region. FADNE’s aim is to build the North East’s reputation as a flourishing food and drink destination with local heritage, sustainability, innovation and community at its heart.
Join us
Joining FADNE is easy. We offer three levels of membership to suit every business. From dipping your toe in the water as an affiliate to helping us shape our organisation and its direction of travel as a partner.
Afilliate Member
for small businesses or individuals- Use of the FADNE logo as a member
- Access to latest food industry data, news and market trends
- Targeted networking and trading opportunities that will add tangible value to your business
- Discounts on key FADNE and partner events
Associate Member
for a larger businesses- Use of the FADNE logo as a member
- Access to latest food industry data, news and market trends
- Targeted networking and trading opportunities that will add tangible value to your business
- Discounts on key FADNE and partner events
- Access to food industry data platform
- Financial benchmark from our partners at Harlands
- Access to specialist business support to help grow your business
- Opportunities to collaborate across the regional supply chain
- Share your news through our FADNE communication channels
- A chance to participate in cross-sector working groups
- An invitation to the FADNE AGM
Partner
for large businesses and organisations- Use of the FADNE logo as a partner
- Access to food industry data, news and market trends
- Targeted networking and trading opportunities that will add tangible value to you business
- Discounts on key FADNE and partner events
- Access to food industry data platform
- Financial benchmark from our partners
- Access to specialist business support to help you grow your business
- Opportunities to collaborate across the regional supply chain
- Share your news through our FADNE communication channels
- A chance to participate in cross-sector working groups
- An invitation to our AGM
- Seat on FADNE’s Advisory Panel
- An invitation to our industry roundtables
- Premium sponsorship opportunities
- Discount on a table for ten at the FADNE AGM
- Brand presence across all FADNE communications
- Discounted rate with Grub Productions
*Including VAT
Making a difference
At FADNE we pride ourselves on getting things done. We network, lobby and cajole and collaborate with major stakeholders locally and nationally to ensure the voice and interests the North East food, drink and hospitality sector is heard and acted upon. Here are some of the things we’ve been up to lately.
NICRE research report into food distribution hubs
Using data from our Local Heroes virtual market initiative, the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise has created an insightful and important research report that discusses how we can improve the operational efficiency of food hubs and cut down transport-related carbon emissions.
Unique pop-up market at Fenwick Food Hall in Newcastle to celebrate local, new and emerging food brands
From Thursday 10th August – Friday 11th August, the Food Hall at Fenwick, Newcastle will be transformed into a Local Heroes Pop-up Market to showcase exciting food and drink brands from regional food entrepreneurs and producers.
Wrap-up & Takeaway Event at the Crowne Plaza, Newcastle on Thursday 27th July
As the HITS seminar series comes to a close we invite you to a special event that will share and celebrate the learnings and achievements of people and businesses participating in the HITS programme.
Ongoing initiatives
FADNE are continually looking for new ideas to deliver tangible value to our members. Here are some of our current ongoing initiatives.
BuySupply
A B2B platform designed to help buyers and suppliers across tourism, food, drink and hospitality connect and explore potential commercial relationships.
Part of the HITS Programme
NECTA
We organise the region’s most prominent culinary and catering annual event for student and professional chefs in the North East to showcase their skills.


