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.
A new report and film has been released on food in the North East to inform the development of the UK’s Food Strategy
A new report exploring the future of the North East’s food system has been published as part of the government’s work to develop a national food strategy. The findings come from a visit by members of the Citizen Advisory Council, who met with Food and Drink North East, as well as other regional organisations, businesses and community groups to understand both the opportunities and challenges facing the region.
A Taste of the North East at a special Westminster event
Food and Drink North East invited 20 producers from across the region to present their products at an event in Parliament’s Jubilee Room, hosted by Washington and Gateshead South MP Sharon Hodgson. The initiative was supported by Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West MP Chi Onwurah and delivered in partnership with rail operator Lumo.
Food and Drink North East hosts ‘Room With A View’ event at New College Durham
Food and Drink North East hosts the first ‘Room With A View’ event of 2026 at award-winning restaurant The Copper Pot at New College Durham.
FADNE’s annual State of the Sector survey now live
The annual Food and Drink North East State of the Sector survey plays a vital role in providing a ‘farm to fork’ snapshot of the region’s agriculture, food, drink, manufacturing and hospitality supply chain.
North East Business Logistics Discovery Workshop discusses the reality of delivering goods in the North East
North East food and drink businesses and local delivery providers shared their insights, challenges and ideas about the reality of delivering goods around the North East at a North East Business Logistics Discovery Workshop.
Susan Justice appointed as the new Chair of Food and Drink North East
Susan Justice, Head of Business Development at Bidfood, has been appointed as the new Chair of Food and Drink North East.
FADNE Partner News: Take part in the Johnston Carmichael Food & Drink Industry Survey
The annual Johnston Carmichael Food & Drink Survey is an opportunity for business owners, leaders and senior directors to share their experiences and highlight what their businesses went through in 2025 and are going through as we move into 2026.
FADNE announces first Room With A View event of 2026
We look forward to welcome our Partners and selected guests to the first Room With A View event of 2026. This time, taking place at the beautiful Copper Pot student restaurant at New College Durham on Thursday 12th February 2026.
Take our North East Business Logistics Survey
We want to hear directly from North East businesses about how you deliver goods and the logistics opportunities that you need.
Local Businesses and Colleges Unite to Tackle Skills Gaps in Food and Hospitality
Employers, training providers, and education leaders from across the North East came together on Monday 3rd November to address the workforce and training challenges in the region’s food and hospitality sectors.
Join us at a Taste of Northumberland Takeover Event this November
Join us at one of three networking events this month where you can drop in for a chat, grab a coffee and find out how your business can be part of Northumberland’s growing food and drink movement.
Beyond The Kitchen Table Programme Supports Northumberland-based Food & Drink Producers
The final touchpoint of the Beyond The Kitchen Table programme took place at The Forum Cinema in Hexham on Monday 20th October 2025, brining together an exciting mix of local businesses: Bakehouse 78, Gnocchi Gnights, Heatherslaw Corn Mill, Hedgeley Honey, Northumberland Honey Co, Northumberland Coffee, and The Pudding Parlour.
