Food Manufacture survey tests sector’s hopes and fears
While the referendum is without doubt the biggest unknown facing the sector, there are many other issues that continue to cause manufacturers concern: from the retail price war to the new National Living Wage introduced in April and the apprenticeship levy, which will affect some firms from next year.
If that weren't enough, companies face an existential skills crisis, exacerbated by the poor image of the sector. Then, there’s the government’s much delayed childhood obesity strategy, which is now expected sometime this summer.
Sugar tax
This will put even further controls on the marketing of foods high in fat, sugar and salt to children and could even see reformulation targets set. And then there’s the sugar tax that George Osborne has planned for soft drinks.
With these issues top of mind, it is particularly timely that this month Food Manufacture is conducting its annual online ‘State of the industry’ survey, giving readers the opportunity to share their thoughts with others in the sector and highlight their main areas of concern.
‘State of the industry’
To complete the three-minute survey, please visit the web address at the end of this article, where a short series of questions will guide respondents through different areas, covering everything from market conditions, trading relationships and environmental management, to investment, employment and product development.
To capture an accurate picture, while encouraging openness, the anonymity of all respondents is assured. And, as an inducement for completing the survey, a draw will be made among respondents and £100 in Amazon vouchers will be presented to the winner. The results of the survey and the winner of the draw will be published in the July issue of Food Manufacture.
To complete the survey and your chance to win click here.
Meanwhile, don’t miss the results of our publisher’s William Reed’s exclusive survey on the food and drink industry’s voting intentions in the EU referendum on Thursday June 23.
