Experts warn of UK's impending food crisis

The UK food system is under increasing pressure, with labour shortages and skills gaps creating a significant workforce challenge for the industry.

IGD foresight warns that the problem will escalate if proactive action isn't taken to address the workforce time bomb. 

Over the next 10 years, the UK population is expected to grow from 69.9 million (2025) to 73.4 million (2035), resulting in increased demand for food and drink. Some will be sourced from abroad, but realistically, UK food and drink capacity will need to increase to meet population demand. 

With existing workforce challenges set to worsen, businesses must start training and investing in the sector's future workforce. In recognition of this, IGD's cross-industry initiative, 'Mmmake Your Mark', returns for 2025, collaboratively raising awareness of the diverse career opportunities available across the food system. 

Inspiring the next generation

Last year, 4.2 million people worked in the food and drink supply chain across the UK, making up around 13% of all employment or more than one in eight jobs. 

Sarah Bradbury, IGD CEO, comments: "The workforce time bomb is something we simply cannot ignore as an industry. If we fail to take collective action, not only will it have a commercial impact for businesses, it also becomes a UK food security issue, affecting accessibility of food and inflation. 

"We know from our own learning and development programmes that young people are largely unaware of the opportunities available and the skills required in the food system, as well as the sense of purpose and impact a career in food and drink can offer," she adds. "This issue is exacerbated by factors such as the decrease of entry into the industry through routes such as Saturday jobs. Being involved in Mmmake Your Mark on 27 August is a clear step businesses can take to put a food and drink career firmly on people's radars."

IGD is calling on the food system to be part of the solution in raising awareness around jobs in the UK food sector. To support this, the organisation has created a range of assets to help mobilise action. Visit igd.com for more information.

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