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.
Farmers and food producers offered specialist support through the North East Rural Growth Programme
Farmers, food producers and rural businesses across the North East can now access specialist support through the North East Rural Growth Programme, backed by £8.5m of investment from Mayor Kim McGuinness.
Business North East formed to create inclusive economic growth in the region
A new major partnership will provide a ‘helping hand’ for North East businesses to access support, create jobs and unlock growth in the region.
Opinion: The role of Geographical Indications in our food systems
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending and supporting GI Smart – a pan-European project exploring the role of Geographical Indications in our food systems, and what protecting products of provenance really means for health, sustainability and regional food culture.
Caroline Bell and Karen Park join Food and Drink North East’s Non-Executive Board of Directors
Food and Drink North East is delighted to announce the appointment of Caroline Bell, Operations & Sales Director of Acorn Dairy, and Karen Park, director of Buston Oils and Buston Potatoes, to its non-executive board of directors.
Opinion: Reset, Not a Reshuffle
We need to back the voices of our local hospitality industry, and back the recommendations put forward by organisations like UK Hospitality to cut VAT to 10% – before the daily casualties tip over into a full business-closure pandemic, and we find ourselves mourning what we could so easily have saved.
Lobby Your Local MP: A North East template to support the call for a 10% VAT rate on hospitality
Use this template, provided by Food and Drink North East, to email your local MP to support the call for a 10% VAT rate on hospitality.
Food and Drink North East Strengthens Team and Structure with New Programme Manager Appointment
Shelley Johnson joins FADNE to manage the organisation’s coordination, delivery and reporting of the Rural Growth Programme (RGP), a three-year initiative funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Food and Drink North East Appointed Key Delivery Partner for Rural Growth Programme
Food and Drink North East (FADNE) has been appointed as a key delivery partner for the North East Rural Growth Programme (RGP), marking a significant milestone for both the organisation and the region’s thriving food and drink sector.
FADNE Celebrates First Successful Outcome of Educational Partnership with Newcastle University Through Pink Lane Bakery Project
This collaboration represents a key milestone in FADNE’s commitment to fostering stronger links between industry and academia and in supporting innovation, skills development and business growth across the North East’s food and drink sector.
FADNE is hiring! Two part-time roles now available for applications
We’re growing rapidly, supporting over 800 businesses across the North East’s food and drink sector, and now leading delivery of the Rural Growth Programme (RGP)—a major initiative driving regional growth and opportunity. We are currently recruiting for two part-time positions: a Community Engagement Manager and a Programme Manager.
Food and Drink North East Achieves the Highest Level of Accreditation with Shine Advanced Award
FADNE has been awarded the Shine Advanced Award marking the highest level of accreditation within Shine, the North East Combined Authority’s flagship employer recognition scheme. The achievement places the organisation among a select group of employers leading the way in creating fairer, safer and more rewarding workplaces across the region.
North East’s Best Tourism and Hospitality Spots Crowned at Tourism Awards Ceremony
The annual ceremony, sponsored by train operator LNER and now in its 24th year, brought over 450 businesses, regional and national leaders together at Newcastle’s Civic Centre on Thursday 19th March 2026 for a celebration of the North East’s visitor economy.
