Local pride and passion
The North East of England is widely recognised for the warmth and quality of our hospitality but our region also has a long history of food and drink entrepreneurs. From the launch of Lucozade in 1927 through to iconic heritage brands such as Bero, Newcastle Brown Ale, Greggs, Ringtons Tea and Primula Cheese.
High-quality produce such as Craster Kippers, Lindisfarne Oysters and the langoustines landed at North Shields. We have nationally-acclaimed food growers, restaurants and chefs as well as some of the best cheese and organic dairy in England.
From esteemed craft brewers to rural distillers, from bakers to butchers, from ancient grains to urban mushrooms – the North East has it all.
Our region is experiencing an upsurge of premium, entrepreneurial food and drink brands, as well as growth in categories such as organic, ‘free-from’ and plant-based innovation, helping the North East rapidly become a dynamic manufacturing hub.
Our challenge
For too long the North East’s food and drink sector has been under-valued. While other regions have flourished, we have hidden in the shadows of our industrial past.
A lack of identity and several attempts to redefine the North East as one homogeneous place failed to take into account this region that is fiercely proud of celebrating its tribal differences.
As a consequence the ‘food identity’ of the North East has struggled to make sense of itself and become a victim of reinvention.
From Tyneside, Wearside, County Durham and Northumberland. Pan Haggerty to Primula. Parmo to Pease Pudding. These are our stories. This is our food culture and it’s one to be proud of.
Despite this, we continue to trail our regional neighbours with the North East ranking as the lowest performing region in terms of its food and drink sector’s contribution to our regional economy.
%
Current contribution to regional economy (GVA)
%
FADNE target (GVA) by 2025
The opportunity
In 2007, Scotland Food and Drink (SFD), a not-for-profit organisation was created to guide food and drink companies of all sizes towards increased profitability.
With a clear strategy, SFD increased the value of the sector from £421 million to £1.5billion by 2017, with an ambition to grow the sector to £30 billion by 2030 whilst building Scotland’s international reputation as a Land of Food and Drink.
We believe we have all the ingredients to build a world-class, sustainable food and drink offer right here in the North East.
One that can compete on a national and international level. One with a strong local identity and a flavour of its very own.
Our vision
Food and Drink North East is a community interest company (CIC) whose aim is to build a vibrant and engaged community that champions positive trade, promotes a sustainable, circular economy and acts as a collective and inclusive voice for the region’s food and drink sector. Our overall objective is to grow the sector’s contribution to the regional economy to 10% GVA by 2025.
Our mission
To build the North East of England’s reputation as a food and drink destination. To help our region become a recognised centre for innovative start-ups and world-class manufacturing. To showcase and celebrate its diverse food and drink offer while placing heritage, sustainability, provenance and community at its heart.
